During the G20 Foreign Ministers’ meeting in New York, India’s External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar strongly addressed the issue of terrorism on a global platform. He made India’s stance on terrorism clear, emphasizing that no tolerance or concessions should be given. He called terrorism the greatest threat to global peace and development, highlighting that nations acting against it are, in effect, serving the entire international community.
Jaishankar voiced concern about the current international climate, noting the ongoing decline of both peace and development. The escalating crises in energy, food, and fertilizer security are particularly affecting Global South countries. He used the Ukraine war and the Gaza conflict as examples, showing how issues of supply and cost are straining national economies.
He affirmed that peace enables development, but we cannot achieve peace by undermining development. Jaishankar accused some nations of employing double standards at the international level, asserting that applying different standards in similar circumstances complicates the path to peace. He advocated for diplomacy and dialogue as the solutions to conflict, rather than displays of power or arms races.
The Foreign Minister highlighted that the Ukraine and Gaza conflicts have had a severe impact on the Global South, disrupting supply chains and logistics. This has created immense pressure on several nations, impacting not only availability but also costs. Jaishankar also questioned the use of double standards, stating that while peace enables development, hindering development does not pave the way for peace.
He pointed out that some countries often possess the capability to engage in dialogue with both sides of a conflict. Such nations should be included and encouraged by the international community in the process of restoring peace. Furthermore, he raised questions about the limitations of the United Nations and other multilateral organizations, stressing that the present circumstances demonstrate an urgent need for reform within these institutions, including the UN.
Jaishankar issued a warning that India’s message is clear: the world can no longer afford to take half-hearted measures on issues such as terrorism and conflict. He stressed that jeopardizing energy and resources is detrimental to any economically vulnerable nation and further complicates the pursuit of peace.