External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar emphasized the escalating Middle East conflicts and the necessity for reforms in the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) during the 16th BRICS Summit held in Kazan, Russia.
During his address, Jaishankar expressed widespread anxiety regarding the potential for further regional conflict. He advocated for a fair and durable approach to resolving disputes, highlighting the importance of reaching a two-state solution. “Addressing conflicts and tensions effectively is a particular need of the day,” he stated, reiterating Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s message that “this is not an era of war” and that disputes should be resolved through dialogue and diplomacy.
He stressed the importance of respecting international law and maintaining zero tolerance for terrorism. Jaishankar noted that maritime trade has been significantly affected by the ongoing tensions and warned of the serious human and material consequences of further escalation in the Middle East.
Jaishankar also discussed several measures aimed at creating a more equitable global order. He suggested strengthening and expanding independent platforms, reforming established institutions such as the UNSC, and democratizing the global economy by establishing more production hubs. He called for correcting historical distortions in global infrastructure and emphasized the need for collective efforts to enhance connectivity while respecting territorial integrity and sovereignty.
He observed that while forces of change have progressed, many long-standing global issues have become more complex. He noted the diversification of production and consumption and the accelerated development of nations emerging from colonialism, suggesting that the current economic, political, and cultural rebalancing could lead to a more multipolar world.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi participated in the Closed Plenary Session of the BRICS Summit and reiterated India’s commitment to dialogue and diplomacy over conflict. He highlighted the collaborative efforts that led to defeating challenges like COVID-19 and expressed optimism about creating opportunities for a safe, strong, and prosperous future for coming generations. Modi also called for global regulations concerning cybersecurity and safe AI practices.
