Addressing a gathering at the Institute of Company Secretaries of India (ICSI) event themed ‘Vishwa Bandhu Bharat’ in Rajajinagar, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar emphasized the global significance of the escalating tensions between Israel and Iran. He underscored that such tensions, regardless of their origin, possess the potential to trigger widespread crises across the world.
Jaishankar stressed that the repercussions of such conflicts extend beyond geopolitical boundaries, impacting essential aspects of daily life including oil prices, food costs, and inflation rates. In light of these challenges, he advocated for the adoption of a holistic approach encapsulated in the concept of ‘Vishwa Bandhu’ (Friend of the World).
Highlighting a specific instance of Indian nationals caught amidst the unrest in Iran, Jaishankar reassured ongoing efforts to ensure their safe return. He further acknowledged the responsibility to evacuate approximately 1.8 million Indians residing in the region, emphasizing the urgency of the matter.
Expanding on the broader geopolitical landscape, the Minister drew attention to additional areas of concern such as the conflict in Ukraine, ongoing tensions in Gaza, and disturbances in the Indian Pacific region. He pointed out that approximately 20 nations are embroiled in diplomatic standoffs, necessitating a nuanced and mature approach to address these challenges.
Jaishankar emphasized the limitations of unilateral actions in resolving such complex issues, stressing the importance of collective global efforts. Despite the perceived inefficacy of traditional diplomatic channels like the United Nations, he highlighted India's proactive engagement on the world stage, particularly through its G20 Presidency, as a means to amplify the voice of the Global South and garner international attention towards pressing issues.
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