Countries far from the conflict will have to bear the consequences of wars not of their own, India told the UN

Addressing high-level debates at the 81st session of the UN General Assembly, he said the inability to maintain peace “not only undermines security, but also threatens progress, slowing the pace of development in a globalized world.”

Countries far from the conflict also bear the impact even though they are not responsible for the conflict, he added.

Gulf Tensions

Jaishankar expressed deep concern over the ongoing conflict in the Gulf region and the targeting of commercial vessels and maritime crews in international waters, and described such actions as unacceptable.

Regarding tensions and conflicts in West Asia and the Middle East, he said a two-state solution was necessary for lasting peace, while calling for self-restraint, de-escalation, protection of civilians and uninterrupted flow of energy and trade.

The war in Ukraine is equally concerning as it enters its fifth year, he said.

Echoing Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Jaishankar said the focus should shift from “endless wars” to “ending wars”, adding that India supports initiatives aimed at achieving peace.

‘Everything is used as a weapon’

Jaishankar warned that a world under constant threat and stress was now “on the verge of an abyss”, and underscored the need for stability, security and predictability.

After eight decades of the UN, this should be the prevailing trend, he said. Instead, “we are witnessing a situation where everything is weaponized.”

From financial and market access to supply chains and technology, a “hypercompetitive” mindset is taking hold, he said, with institutions weakening and more countries focusing on risk reduction and diversification.

The resulting food, fuel, fertilizer and financing crises have made conditions particularly challenging for Southern countries, he added.

The ‘scourge’ of terrorism

Jaishankar described terrorism as a constant threat to peace and said that state-sponsored cross-border terrorism was a “direct affront to the global order”.

The governments involved must be held accountable, he said, stressing that “zero tolerance” for terrorism must not be weakened.

Referring to statements made during Friday’s General Debate session, he accused “a practitioner of terrorism” of misrepresenting the facts and attempting to normalize terrorism.

“Perpetrators of terrorism must improve their behavior,” he said.

Development and the multipolar world

Turning to development in India, Jaishankar said the progress made by the country has improved the prospects of one-sixth of humanity, and highlighted the role of digital public infrastructure in governance and delivery of socio-economic benefits.

He said India has also supported 600 development projects in 78 countries, covering clean energy, infrastructure, sustainable agriculture and information technology.

The world is moving towards multipolarity, he added, and the international order established in 1945 is facing new realities.

Adapting to a changing world “will not be easy”, he warned, arguing that civilized dialogue is essential and a large part of humanity cannot be sidelined.

He concluded by quoting the words inscribed on the statue of Mahatma Gandhi at the UN:

“There is no path to peace. Peace is the path.”