India’s Jaishankar Condemns Double Standards on Global Development and Peace

At a G20 Foreign Ministers’ meeting, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar voiced his concerns about what he called “double standards” in international relations, implicitly criticizing the United States’ actions related to Russian oil purchases. He argued that jeopardizing development undermines the prospects for peace and that the international community should focus on dialogue and diplomacy. Jaishankar’s comments were made against the backdrop of U.S. economic measures, including tariffs and potential trade limitations on Russia, due to its conflict in Ukraine. He highlighted the detrimental effects of increased costs for essential commodities on the Global South, pointing to the impact of the conflicts in Ukraine and Gaza. Jaishankar also suggested that countries capable of engaging with all parties in a conflict should be encouraged to contribute to both achieving and maintaining peace. He stressed that the world must avoid complicating the situation and instead pursue diplomatic solutions.