New Delhi: The conflict in Gaza is of “great concern” and the humanitarian crises arising out of it require a sustainable solution that gives immediate relief to those most affected, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said Tuesday while calling for reforms of “outdated” global structures to effectively address geopolitical challenges.
In a virtual statement at the 55th session of the United Nations Human Rights Council in Geneva, Jaishankar pitched for urgently making multilateral frameworks fit to respond to current global realities by fixing systemic flaws in the current institutions.
He said it would be in collective interest and responsibility to work together in the UN and outside to find lasting solutions to geopolitical challenges.
“For this to happen, it is vital that we first recognise that for multilateralism to be credible, effective and responsive, it is now high time to reform outdated structures and fix systemic flaws, and urgently make multilateral frameworks fit for the purpose, reflecting current global realities,” the external affairs minister said.
India has been pressing for reforms in the UN, especially the UN Security Council.
In his remarks, Jaishankar expressed deep concern over the situation in Gaza.
At the same time, referring to the October 7 terror attack on Israel by Hamas, he asserted that “terrorism and hostage taking” are unacceptable.
“The conflict in Gaza is of great concern to us all. The humanitarian crises arising from conflicts require a sustainable solution that gives immediate relief to those most affected,” Jaishankar said.
“At the same time, we must be clear that terrorism and hostage taking are unacceptable. It also goes without saying that international humanitarian law must always be respected,” he added.
Jaishankar said it is vital that the conflict does not spread within or beyond the region.
“And efforts must also focus on seeking a two-State solution where Palestinian people can live within secure borders,” he said.
Israel has been continuing with its military offensive in Gaza as part of its retaliation to the unprecedented attack on Israeli cities by Hamas October 7 last year.
Hamas killed around 1,200 people in Israel and abducted more than 220, some of whom were released during a brief ceasefire.
More than 27,000 people have been killed in Gaza in the Israeli offensive, according to the Hamas-run authorities in Gaza.
In his remarks at the UNHRC, Jaishankar said India’s civilisational values emphasise that the world shares “one earth, we are one family and we have one future”.
This Indian approach is defined more by how much “we are alike than by our differences” and that many are impacted by the choices made by even a few, he said, adding that this interconnectedness means that genuine dialogue as the only way to find solutions is not just an imperative, but in fact, inevitable.
“It is, therefore, in our collective interest, and responsibility, to work together in the UN and outside to find lasting solutions to geopolitical challenges,” he said.
The external affairs minister said India’s approach to human rights is rooted in its democratic principles and pluralistic ethos.
“Our Constitution guarantees protection of civil and political rights and provides for progressive realisation of economic, social and cultural rights,” he said.
“Our society and polity are anchored by our institutional strengths of an independent judiciary, robust media and vibrant civil society,” Jaishankar said.
He said these values have continued to inform India’s policies, domestically and globally. “And therefore, I believe, we have much to contribute,” he added.
Referring to the upcoming Lok Sabha polls, the external affairs minister said 2024 is an important year for India’s democracy, with nearly 96 crore voters gearing up to exercise their right to vote.
“This is not merely a political exercise but a celebration of democracy, a festival where every voice resonates and every vote counts,” he said.
“In a world where the principles of democracy are constantly tested, India stands as a beacon of hope and resilience, showcasing the power of the people to shape their collective future,” he said.
Jaishankar said the multiple crises facing the world have highlighted the glaring global inequities. “Naturally then, it was with a sense of exceptional responsibility that we took up G20’s presidency last year. On India’s initiative, the African Union became a permanent member of the G20,” he said.
The external affairs minister said the G20 New Delhi leaders’ declaration put forth solutions on a range of domains, such as digital public infrastructure, climate action, reforming international financial institutions, women-led development, education and AI (artificial intelligence), to name a few.
“As the world’s most populous nation and fifth-largest economy, India always stands ready to share our experiences and expertise with those who wish to benefit from it,” he said.
Jaishankar said India’s development cooperation that spans the globe is guided by the priorities of its partners and it creates local capacities and adheres to fiscal responsibility and transparency.
“India has been at the forefront of lending a helping hand when it is most needed. We demonstrated this during the Covid pandemic, also as first responders in disaster emergencies like in Turkiye and Syria last year, and when Sri Lanka experienced a severe economic crisis,” he said.
PTI