India has raised significant concerns regarding the ongoing crisis in West Asia, emphasizing its potential repercussions on global energy supplies and maritime security in critical waterways like the Strait of Hormuz and the Red Sea. At a BRICS foreign ministers’ meeting in New Delhi, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar urged member nations to devise “practical ways” to tackle geopolitical instability and unilateral sanctions. He underscored that respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity should be foundational to international relations and reiterated that dialogue and diplomacy are essential for conflict resolution.
Jaishankar expressed India’s readiness to contribute to de-escalation efforts and support initiatives aimed at restoring stability, stressing that peace must encompass the protection of civilians and infrastructure. He raised alarms about risks to maritime trade, asserting that disruptions could have dire consequences for the global economy. He specifically pointed to the West Asia conflict, noting that ongoing tensions and threats to maritime traffic underscore the region’s fragility.
Further, he highlighted the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, advocating for a sustained ceasefire and unhindered humanitarian access, while reaffirming India’s support for a two-state solution. Jaishankar also addressed instability in Lebanon, Syria, Sudan, Yemen, and Libya, calling for coordinated diplomatic efforts and sustained international engagement. He warned against reliance on unilateral sanctions, which disproportionately affect developing nations, and reiterated the need for zero tolerance towards terrorism.
Jaishankar emphasized the challenges posed by technological changes, climate change, and global inequality, advocating for bridging the digital divide and ensuring climate justice. He called for urgent reforms in global governance, particularly within the UN Security Council, stating that delays in reform are costly. India is currently chairing the BRICS foreign ministers’ meeting in preparation for the upcoming annual summit in September, with BRICS representing nearly half of the world’s population and a significant portion of global GDP and trade.
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