"More plurilateralism required to plug global deficits": Jaishankar at G20 session

Times of Oman

21-02-2025

Johannesburg: Indian External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, in his address at the G20 session, highlighted the strain on global order due to multiple conflicts going on across the world, and stressed the need to respect international order.
Stating that the global agenda cannot be narrowed down to the interests of a few, he emphasised the need for more plurilateralism to plug global deficits.
During his remarks at G20 Session, titled 'Discussion on the Global Geopolitical Situation', Jaishankar welcomed the ongoing ceasefire-hostage deal between Israel and Hamas, while reiterating India's stance of strong condemnation of terrorism and advocacy for a two-state solution to the longstanding conflict.
''On the Middle East, we welcome the Gaza ceasefire and hostage release, support humanitarian assistance, condemn terrorism, and advocate a two-state solution. Maintaining the ceasefire in Lebanon and ensuring an inclusive Syrian-led, Syrian-owned solution are important. Peace and stability in the region is vital for the entire world," he said.
He added, ''Ensuring maritime security in and around this region is also essential. Indian naval forces have contributed to that in the Arabian Sea and Gulf of Aden. Restoring normal maritime commerce remains a priority.''
On the ongoing Russia Ukraine conflict, the Foreign Minister reiterated India's long-standing position of resolving the conflict through dialogue and diplomacy.
"Regarding the Ukraine conflict, we have long advocated dialogue and diplomacy. Today, the world expects that parties concerned deal with each other to end the war.''
While raising concerns on the said issue, he also argued that other conflicts, like the ones in the Democratic Republic of Congo, Sudan, and Sahel, do not get the attention they deserve. He firmly argued that this must change.
He further stressed the need to respect international law, especially UNCLOS 1982, in the context of the Indo-Pacific region.
"'In the Indo-Pacific, it is important that international law - especially UNCLOS 1982 - is respected. Agreements entered into must be observed. And there must be no room for coercion. As G20 members, we also must recognize that multilateralism itself lies deeply damaged. The UN and its Security Council is often grid-locked," Jaishankar said.
He added, "Just getting it back to work is not enough; its working methods and representation must change. More plurilateralism is required to plug global deficits. International cooperation itself must be less opaque or unilateral. And the global agenda cannot be narrowed down to the interests of a few.''