He called attacks on commercial ships and seafarers unacceptable and said India was ready to help protect food and energy security. External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Saturday told the UN General Assembly that wars in Ukraine and the Gulf are imposing costs on countries far from the fighting, with energy, food and global trade taking the hit.
India and Liberia launched the Group of Friends on Safety and Security of Shipping and Seafarers in New York on September 25. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said on September 22 that the goal was independent Israeli and Palestinian states living side by side in peace and security.
Addressing the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York, Jaishankar said wars were hurting countries that had little role in starting them and little influence over how they ended. India calls upon all parties to exercise restraint, de-escalate tensions, ensure protection of civilians, and uninterrupted flow of energy and commerce,” he said. Earlier this month, Jaishankar said India was in contact with both Russia and Ukraine and was trying to help find ways to reduce the fighting. He said the war would end through dialogue and negotiations rather than changes in trade flows.
“Countries far from conflicts are being penalised for no fault of theirs. Those most impacted often have the least say. This assembly must face up to the true state of affairs. 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. The targeting of commercial shipping and seafarers transiting international waterways is simply unacceptable. Jaishankar’s comments on seafarers followed a separate Indian move at the UN. The UN calendar confirms that the initiative was organised by the permanent missions of the two countries. “The conflict in Ukraine, now in its fifth year, is equally concerning. As Prime Minister Narendra Modi stated, endless war must give way now to an end to war. India supports ongoing initiatives to bring peace. Even as this is underway, there is an urgent need to address the security of seafarers and the supply of food, grains, and energy. The two-state issue has also been part of this week’s UN meetings.
