Speaking at the high-level debate of the 81st session of the UN General Assembly on Saturday, Jaishankar expressed concern over tensions in the Gulf region. He called for restraint, de-escalation, protection of civilians, and ensuring the uninterrupted flow of energy and trade.

On the Ukraine war, he said the war has entered its fifth year. Therefore, instead of continuing an ‘endless war’, focus needs to be given to efforts to end the war and establish peace.

Expressing concern over the current world order, Jaishankar said the tendency to use finance, markets, supply systems, and technology as tools of excessive competition in the international arena is increasing. This is weakening international institutions, and countries of the Global South are facing challenges in crises related to food, energy, fertilizer, and finance.

Describing terrorism as a permanent threat to international peace, he called for a policy of ‘zero tolerance’ against state-sponsored cross-border terrorism.

Regarding India's development, Jaishankar said digital infrastructure is playing a role in delivering governance and socio-economic benefits to people. He also said India has assisted 600 development projects in 78 countries across various sectors, including clean energy, infrastructure, sustainable agriculture, and information technology.

Noting that the world is increasingly moving toward multipolarity, India's External Affairs Minister said civilized dialogue is needed to align the international system with changed realities. At the end of his speech, quoting Mahatma Gandhi, he said, ‘There is no path to peace. Peace is the path.’

Source: UN News