India calls for restraint in conflicts and appeals for global peace and prosperity
New Delhi, 26 Sep (KUNA) -- India expressed deep concern on Saturday over the ongoing conflicts in the Middle East and Ukraine, calling for an immediate de-escalation and the restoration of peace.
The remarks were made by Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar during the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York, where he reminded the international community that the UN was founded to maintain international peace and security and to take collective action toward that end. However, he noted that conflicts and confrontations remain the world's primary preoccupation even after eight decades.
Jaishankar stated, "The failure to maintain peace not only undermines security but also threatens progress and hinders development. In a globalized world, the effects of wars extend to the entire globe."
He expressed regret that the groups most affected by conflicts and instability lack a heard voice in global governance mechanisms, reaffirming India's deep concern over the conflict in the Gulf and the Middle East, as well as the continued targeting of commercial shipping and seafarers.
While urging the parties involved in the conflict to exercise restraint, the Indian minister stated that targeting commercial shipping and seafarers transiting international waterways is absolutely unacceptable. He added that India calls on all parties to practice restraint, ease tensions, and ensure the protection of civilians and the uninterrupted flow of energy and trade.
He also emphasized the importance of achieving lasting peace in the Middle East through a two-state solution, reaffirming India's continued support for humanitarian aid to the Palestinian people.
Jaishankar outlined India's journey of inclusive growth and integrated progress, urging all UN member states to reflect on what they can do in this regard.
The Indian minister added, "Regarding India, its inclusive growth has enhanced development prospects for one-sixth of humanity. When health, nutrition, and education services are provided effectively, and access to drinking water, electricity, roads, and housing is ensured, it genuinely raises the global outcomes for the Sustainable Development Goals."
He highlighted the predicament faced by the Global South amid crises related to food, fuel, fertilizer, and finance, stating, "The right of Global South countries to industrialize is also being undermined by non-market-based practices and their exclusion from market access. Technological progress, which was supposed to be a source of hope, has become a source of concern, as the misuse of artificial intelligence exacerbates bias and undermines mutual respect."
He expressed India's readiness to share its public digital infrastructure, which ensures better governance and has become a cornerstone for delivering social and economic benefits.
Concluding his address, Jaishankar said, "We recognize that many of our experiences and achievements are replicable elsewhere. The deep spirit of solidarity that unites the countries of the Global South has always inspired us to share what we have. Therefore, we respond more effectively to the needs of our partners." He expressed his hope that all delegations participating in the UN General Assembly would leave with a stronger commitment to the causes of peace, development, and prosperity. (End)
