United Nations (New York). Addressing the 81st high-level session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), India's External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar expressed deep concern over the current crises and wars in the world from the global platform. Jaishankar warned in strong words that developing and poor countries, far away from wars and geopolitical conflicts, are paying a heavy price for wars which they had no role in starting or ending. Advising the United Nations to face the ground realities, he said that in today's world, the voices of the most affected countries are the least heard in international forums. In his address, Jaishankar mentioned in detail the Russia-Ukraine war, tensions in the Gulf and West Asia, attacks on commercial ships on international waterways and their deleterious effects on global food and energy security. 'Those who had nothing to do with the war are suffering the consequences' Addressing leaders from around the world at the United Nations Headquarters, the External Affairs Minister said:
"Today, countries that are far away from the geographical areas of conflict are being punished for no fault of theirs. The countries that are most affected by these wars often have the least say in decision-making processes. This General Assembly will have to face this true and bitter situation of the world.""
He underlined that when war breaks out in a globalized economy, its waves spread all over the world. For developing countries (Global South), inflation, skyrocketing fuel prices, fertilizer crisis and food insecurity have become a matter of life and death. Ukraine war and Gulf crisis: 'Endless wars must end now' Quoting Prime Minister Narendra Modi's statement, the External Affairs Minister reiterated that wars can never be a permanent solution to any problem: Ukraine conflict: Jaishankar said the Ukraine war has now entered its fifth year, which is extremely worrying. He reiterated that the era of endless wars must now end and it is essential to adopt the path of diplomacy and dialogue for peace. Attacks on commercial ships and sailors unacceptable: Jaishankar described the attacks on commercial ships and sailors passing through international waterways in the Gulf Region and the Red Sea as completely unacceptable. He said disrupting the uninterrupted flow of energy and trade would hurt the entire world economy. India has also recently launched the 'Group of Friends' initiative for the protection of international seafarers. West Asia and the Two-State Solution: Speaking on the ongoing violence in West Asia, he appealed for the protection of civilians and reiterated that lasting peace in the region can only be possible through a practical 'Two-State Solution'. 'The world is standing on the brink, peace is not just the absence of war' Jaishankar warned the United Nations that if the world continues to live under the shadow of threats, sanctions and pressures, then we are literally standing on the edge of a deep abyss. He said that real peace is not just the absence of war, but it requires stability, security and predictability in the international system. India stands ready to provide all possible humanitarian and diplomatic assistance to restore food, grain and energy security.