International
oi-Ashish Rana
External Affairs Minster S Jaishankar while addressing world leaders at the United Nations on Saturday, called for an end to prolonged conflicts, saying “endless war must give way now to an end to war”, while expressing concern over the Gulf and Ukraine wars.
Addressing the UN General Assembly, EAM S Jaishankar called for an end to prolonged conflicts, expressing concern over Gulf and Ukraine wars, deeming attacks on shipping unacceptable, and reiterating India’s support for a two-state solution for West Asia.
India Calls For End To Gulf Hostilities
“This year, we are witnessing a conflict in the Gulf, one that is exacerbating an already difficult situation. We remain deeply concerned over continuing hostilities,” External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said in his address to the General Debate at the high-level 81st session of the UN General Assembly.
He called the targeting of commercial shipping and seafarers transiting international waterways “simply unacceptable”.
“India calls upon all parties to exercise restraint, de-escalate tensions, ensure protection of civilians, and uninterrupted flow of energy and commerce,” Jaishankar added.
Jaishankar Raises Concern Over Ukraine War
He said the conflict in Ukraine, now almost nearing its fifth year, “is equally concerning.”
Jaishankar referred to comments by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in August on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation summit in Bishkek, saying “endless war must give way now to an end to war.”
Highlighting India’s support for ongoing initiatives to bring peace, he said, “Even as this is underway, there is an urgent need to address the security of seafarers, and supply of food grains and energy. India is prepared to do everything possible to ameliorate this situation, especially with regard to food and energy security.”
India Backs Two-State Solution For West Asia
He also voiced concern over the continuing violence in West Asia.
“Tensions and violence also regrettably continue in West Asia or the Middle East. We strongly believe that a durable and lasting peace requires a two-state solution,” he said, referring to the Israel-Palestine conflict.
“In the meantime, India is contributing to humanitarian assistance and relief efforts for the Palestinian people,” Jaishankar said.
