“Gone are the days when some countries used to set the agenda…”: External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar at UN

Foreign Minister S Jaishankar.

New Delhi:

Foreign Minister S Jaishankar addressed the session of the United Nations General Assembly on Tuesday. During this, he said that the world is currently witnessing an extraordinary period of turmoil. Tensions can be reduced only through diplomacy and dialogue. He said that now those days are over when some countries used to set the agenda and expect others to join them.

S Jaishankar said India’s vision of ‘One Earth, One Family, One Future’ seeks to focus on the core concerns of the many and not just on the narrow interests of a few. He said that when we aspire to become a leading power, it is not for self-praise, but to take up greater responsibility and contribute more.

The External Affairs Minister said that from the era of non-alignment, we are now evolving into the era of Vishwa Mitra (a friend to the world). He said that the inclusion of the African Union in the G20 should inspire the United Nations to modernize the Security Council as well.

The Foreign Minister said that the inclusion of the African Union in the G20 should also inspire the United Nations to modernize the Security Council. Coming out of the era of non-alignment, we have now developed the concept of ‘world friend’.

The Foreign Minister said that we should focus on the most vulnerable people. We started by focusing on the Global South. African Union was included as a permanent member in G20.

He said that economic corridors, biofuels – this willingness to work with an open mind is now a defining characteristic of a multipolar world. India was the first to step forward to help in disasters in Turkey or Syria. When Sri Lanka faced economic crisis, India came forward to help. Partners such as the Pacific Islands have appreciated our help in climate action, food and other areas.

Jaishankar said that in our discussions, India advocates a rules-based order. This also includes respect for the United Nations Charter from time to time. He said that when Chandrayaan landed on the Moon, the world saw a glimpse of the future in India.