External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, without naming the US, criticised “double standards” while stressing that peace and development were deeply interconnected. Speaking at the G20 Foreign Ministers’ Meeting chaired by South Africa, he warned that economic sanctions and restrictions only worsened global instability.
“Peace can certainly enable development, but by threatening development, we cannot facilitate peace. Making energy and other essentials more uncertain in an economically fragile situation helps no one. Therefore, the way out is to move the needle towards dialogue and diplomacy, not in the opposite direction towards further complications,” Jaishankar said on Thursday while addressing second G20 Foreign Ministers’ Meeting in New York, ANI reported.
The remarks came against the backdrop of steep tariffs imposed by Washington on Indian goods, part of punitive measures linked to New Delhi’s continued oil imports from Russia.
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Here’s are key highlights from his G20 address:
Global South bears the brunt
Jaishankar underlined that the developing world was disproportionately impacted by conflicts in Ukraine and Gaza. “The costs, especially to the Global South in terms of energy, food and fertiliser security, were starkly demonstrated by ongoing conflicts,” he noted, adding that access and affordability had turned into pressure points for many nations.
He further pointed out that some countries, uniquely positioned to engage both sides in conflicts, should be encouraged to play a constructive role in peace-building.
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‘No accommodation to terrorist’ : Strong message at G20 forum
Jaishankar also delivered a sharp warning against terrorism, calling it a “perennial disruptor of peace.” “A persistent threat to development is that perennial disruptor of peace – terrorism. It is imperative that the world display neither tolerance nor accommodation to terrorist activities,” he said, indirectly pointing at neighboring country Pakistan.
He urged G20 to act collectively: “Colleagues, the international situation is today both politically and economically volatile. We, as members of G20, have a particular responsibility to strengthen its stability and give it a more positive direction.”
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Call for reforming multilateral institutions
Jaishankar pressed for urgent reforms in multilateral institutions, including the United Nations, arguing that existing frameworks had failed to address conflict, economic stress, and terrorism effectively. “The need for reforming multilateralism has never been greater,” he said.
Upcoming UNGA address
Jaishankar is also scheduled to address the United Nations General Assembly on September 27, where he is expected to expand further on India’s stand on global peace, terrorism, and the challenges of the Global South.
