External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar addresses UN General Assembly, advocating for restraint in conflicts and stressing the importance of food and energy security.
In his address to the United Nations General Assembly in New York last night, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar called upon all parties to exercise restraint and de-escalate tensions during ongoing conflicts. He emphasized that wars have repercussions beyond the borders of directly engaged nations, necessitating protection of civilians and ensuring uninterrupted flow of energy and commerce.
Dr Jaishankar expressed concern over the protracted Russia-Ukraine conflict, echoing Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s call for an end to hostilities. He also addressed the Gulf conflict, stating that it exacerbates an already difficult situation. Regarding maritime security, Dr Jaishankar condemned attacks on commercial ships and seafarers in the Gulf and from the Red Sea to the Black Sea as unacceptable.
The minister underscored the importance of ensuring stable distribution channels for food grains and energy resources. He reiterated India’s commitment to defend against terrorism, calling state-sponsored terrorism with a cross-border purpose a direct challenge to the global order. Dr Jaishankar stressed that governments engaged in such practices must be held accountable, and financing of terrorism must be exposed and countered.
Dr Jaishankar described a ‘4F crisis’ confronting the Global South – the security of food, fuel, fertiliser and finance. He highlighted 600 major Indian development projects in 78 countries spanning various sectors as an effort to improve the prospects of one-sixth of humanity. On artificial intelligence, he advocated for countries to develop their own models and deployment plans in line with national priorities.
India will make AI part of its partnership agenda with the Global South, according to Dr Jaishankar, who described AI as a tool that can empower people, support economic growth, and help address challenges on a large scale.
Source:
Akashvani News
