S. Jaishankar highlights middle east conflicts and UNSC issues at BRICS Summit
New Delhi (The Uttam Hindu): External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar addressed the 16th BRICS Summit on Thursday, focusing on the conflicts in the Middle East and the need for reforms in the UN Security Council. He expressed concerns about the potential for the conflict to escalate further in the region and emphasized the importance of pursuing a fair and lasting resolution that leads to a two-state solution. "Effectively addressing conflicts and tensions is crucial at this time. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has stressed that we are not in an era of war. Disputes should be resolved through dialogue and diplomacy, and agreements must be honored. We must adhere to international law without exception and maintain zero tolerance for terrorism. The situation in the Middle East is a significant concern for us, with widespread anxiety over potential escalation. Maritime trade has also been severely impacted, and the human and material costs of further conflict are serious. Any solution must be just and durable, aiming for a two-state resolution," he stated during the summit in Kazan, Russia.
Jaishankar outlined several steps to foster a more equitable global order. He highlighted the need to strengthen independent platforms, expand choices in various domains, and reduce reliance on entities that can be exploited. "This is where BRICS can significantly benefit the Global South," he noted. He also called for reforms in established institutions, particularly the UN Security Council and multilateral development banks, which he described as outdated. India has taken initiatives during its G20 Presidency to advance these reforms, and he welcomed Brazil's continued efforts. He further stressed the importance of democratizing the global economy by creating more production hubs and addressing historical distortions in global infrastructure from the colonial era. "The world urgently requires improved connectivity options to enhance logistics and reduce risks, which should be a collective effort respecting territorial integrity and sovereignty. Additionally, we should share experiences and explore new initiatives," he added.
Jaishankar remarked that while forces of change have progressed, many long-standing global issues have become more complicated. "We find ourselves in a paradox where, despite advancements, certain issues have only grown more complex. There is a consistent diversification of production and consumption, with nations emerging from colonialism making significant strides in development and socio-economic progress. This rebalancing allows us to envision genuine multi-polarity," he explained. Meanwhile, Prime Minister Narendra Modi participated in the Closed Plenary Session of the BRICS Summit, reinforcing India's commitment to dialogue and diplomacy over war. "Just as we united to tackle challenges like COVID, we can create new opportunities for a safe, strong, and prosperous future for the next generation. We should also work towards establishing global regulations for cybersecurity and ensuring safe, secure AI," he stated. Modi returned to Delhi following the summit.
