India has called upon all parties to exercise restraint, de-escalate tensions, ensure protection of civilians, and uninterrupted flow of energy and commerce during ongoing conflicts.

 

Addressing the UN General Assembly in New York last night, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar pointed out that the repercussions of wars are experienced far outside the borders of directly engaged nations. 

 

He said hostilities continue to destabilise global security, threatening progress and slowing development far beyond their immediate regions.

 

Dr Jaishankar said India is prepared to do everything possible to help improve the situation, particularly in the areas of food and energy security. 

 

Referring to the protracted Russia-Ukraine conflict, the minister said the ongoing war remains a critical international concern and echoed Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s call for an end to hostilities.

 

On the Gulf conflict, Dr Jaishankar said the hostilities are exacerbating an already difficult situation.  

 

Turning to maritime security, he said attacks on commercial ships and seafarers in the Gulf and from the Red Sea to the Black Sea are unacceptable.

 

External Affairs Minister also underscored the imperative of ensuring stable distribution channels for food grains and energy resources. 

 

Dr Jaishankar said that India will exercise its right to defend itself against terrorism. He called state-sponsored terrorism with a cross-border purpose a direct challenge to the global order.

 

External Affairs Minister said governments engaged in such practices must be held accountable and the financing of terrorism must be exposed and countered. 

 

Dr Jaishankar said the world is witnessing weaponisation of everything, from finance and market access to supply chains and technology. He said countries are responding by reducing risks and diversifying their ties.

 

Dr Jaishankar described a “4F crisis” confronting the Global South – the security of food, fuel, fertiliser and finance. He said India’s growth and public services have improved the prospects of one-sixth of humanity.

 

He cited 600 major Indian development projects in 78 countries, spanning infrastructure, manufacturing, agriculture, information technology and capacity building. 

 

On artificial intelligence, Dr Jaishankar said, countries should be able to develop their own models and deployment plans in line with national priorities. He said India will make AI part of its partnership agenda with the Global South. 

 

External Affairs Minister said that countries should be free to develop artificial intelligence systems that serve their own priorities. He described AI as a tool that can empower people, support economic growth and help address challenges on a large scale.