External affairs minister S Jaishankar called for an end to ongoing conflicts and urged countries to confront the global consequences of wars as he addressed the United Nations General Assembly, invoking Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s earlier remarks on the need to move from endless war towards peace.
“Countries far from conflicts are being penalised for no fault of theirs. Those most impacted often have the least say,” Jaishankar said, calling upon the assembly to “face up to the true state of affairs”.
India has consistently maintained that dialogue and diplomacy are essential to resolving the Russia-Ukraine conflict. Earlier this month, Jaishankar said New Delhi remained in continuous touch with both Russia and Ukraine and was exploring ideas that could contribute to mitigating and eventually ending the war.
Jaishankar flags Gulf conflict and attacks on shipping
Highlighting the unrest in West Asia, Jaishankar said the international community was witnessing a conflict in the Gulf that was worsening an already difficult situation.
“This year, we are witnessing a conflict in the Gulf, one that is exacerbating an already difficult situation. We remain deeply concerned over continuing hostilities,” he said.
Jaishankar also raised concerns over attacks on commercial shipping and seafarers amid strikes in the Strait of Hormuz. He said attacks on ships transiting international waterways “is simply unacceptable”.
“India calls upon all parties to exercise restraint, de-escalate tensions, ensure protection of civilians, and uninterrupted flow of energy and commerce,” he said.
The Strait of Hormuz has remained a major focus of international concern during the current Gulf crisis because of its importance to global energy shipments. US President Donald Trump also called for the waterway to be fully reopened during his address to the General Assembly earlier this week.
Jaishankar has also discussed the Ukraine and Gulf crises with foreign counterparts during his meetings on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly. His engagements have included discussions with Ukrainian foreign minister Andrii Sybiha, with Jaishankar reiterating that dialogue and diplomacy remain the way forward for resolving the Ukraine conflict.
India calls for peace in Ukraine, two-state solution in Middle East
Jaishankar invoked another remark by Prime Minister Narendra Modi while addressing the continuing Russia-Ukraine war, now in its fifth year.
“The conflict in Ukraine, now in its fifth year, is equally concerning. As Prime Minister Narendra Modi stated, endless war must give way now to an end to war. India supports ongoing initiatives to bring peace. Even as this is underway, there is an urgent need to address the security of seafarers and the supply of food, grains, and energy,” he said.
He also underscored the imperative of safeguarding maritime crews and ensuring stable distribution channels for food grains and energy resources, affirming India’s readiness to assist in mitigating global food and energy security challenges.
On the Middle East crisis, Jaishankar said India believes a two-state solution is necessary for durable and lasting peace.
“India is prepared to do everything possible to ameliorate this situation, especially with regard to food and energy security. Tensions and violence also regrettably continue in West Asia or the Middle East. We strongly believe that a durable and lasting peace requires a two-state solution,” he said.
India’s position on Ukraine has also been reiterated in Jaishankar’s recent meetings with international counterparts. During his September visit to Poland after travelling to Kyiv, he said India’s efforts were focused on dialogue and diplomacy and argued that wars bring death, destruction and wider costs beyond the countries directly involved.