Days When A Few Nations Set The Agenda, Expected Others To Fall In Line Are Over: Jaishankar At UNGA
Addressing the UNGA, EAM S Jaishankar stressed India's commitment to fostering cooperation with a diverse array of partners while expressing the need for a more inclusive and democratic world order.
In a veiled jibe at the West over interferences to countries' foreign policies, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Tuesday remarked that the days when a few nations set the agenda and expected others to follow the line are over. He made the statement during his address to the General Debate at the ongoing high-level United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) session in New York. He emphasised India's commitment to fostering cooperation with a diverse array of partners and advocated for a more equitable global order, expressing the need for a more inclusive and democratic world order.
Notably, S Jaishankar began his speech greeting the gathering with a "Namaste from Bharat". Talking about the world order, he remarked, "The days when a few nations set the agenda and expected others to follow the line are over."
He went on to emphasise, "In our deliberations, we often advocate the promotion of a rules-based order. From time to time, respect for the UN Charter is also involved. But for all the talk, it is still a few nations who shape the agenda and seek to define the norms. This can't go on indefinitely nor will it go unchallenged. A fair, equitable, and democratic order will surely emerge once we all put our minds to it. And for a start, that means ensuring that rule-makers do not subjugate rule-takers."
In his speech, Jaishankar highlighted India's evolving role on the international stage. He stated, "From the era of non-alignment, we have now evolved to that of 'Vishwa Mitra - a friend to the world.' This is an occasion to take stock of our achievements and our challenges even while sharing our aspirations and goals. Indeed, in regards to both, there is much that India has to share."
He reiterated India's vision of 'One Earth, One Family, One Future,' emphasising that it aimed to focus on the key concerns of many, rather than the narrow interests of a few. He underscored the importance of collective action in addressing global challenges.
The External Affairs Minister also touched upon India's commitment to gender equality citing the Women's Reservation Bill passed in the Parliament. He stated, "Our latest assertion is in path-breaking legislation to reserve one-third of the seats for women in legislatures. I speak for a society where ancient traditions of democracy have struck deep modern roots. As a result, our thinking, approaches, and actions are more grounded and authentic."
EAM S Jaishankar On India's G20 Presidency
Jaishankar highlighted India's presidency of the G20 and its efforts to amplify the voices of the Global South. He said, "Recognising that growth and development must focus on the most vulnerable, we began the presidency by convening the Voice of the Global South Summit. This enabled us to hear directly from 125 nations and place their concerns on the G20 Agenda. As a consequence, issues that deserve global attention got a fair hearing. More than that, the deliberations produced outcomes that have great significance for the international community."
"It was also noteworthy that, at India's initiative, the African Union became a permanent member of the G20. By doing so, we gave voice to an entire continent which has long been its due. This significant step in reform should inspire the United Nations, a much older organisation, to also make the Security Council contemporary," he highlighted.
He stressed that the World is witnessing an exceptional period of turmoil. He said the Delhi G20 Declaration affirmed that diplomacy and dialogue are the only effective solutions in this period of conflict.
The External Affairs Minister's address at the United Nations General Assembly underscored India's commitment to fostering global cooperation, promoting gender equality, and advocating for a fair and democratic world order.
A day before his UNGA speech, Jaishankar met with UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres and President of the 78th session of the General Assembly Dennis Francis on Monday at the headquarters of the world organisation. He discussed India's G20 Presidency, regional issues and global challenges, sustainable development goals, and Security Council reforms with the top UN leadership in New York.
He also met with the United Nations Development Programme Administrator Achim Steiner.
In a readout of the meeting issued by the UN spokesperson's office, Guterres expressed appreciation for India's cooperation with the UN and its leadership of the G20. Guterres and Jaishankar also discussed the situations in Afghanistan, Myanmar, and other global challenges, the readout stated.
Subscribe And Follow ABP Live On Telegram: https://t.me/officialabplive
Trending News
Top Headlines
