Source : INDIA TODAY NEWS
India on Saturday told world leaders at the United Nations that “endless war must give way now to an end to war”, while raising concern over the conflict in the Gulf and the war in Ukraine.
Addressing the General Debate at the high-level 81st session of the UN General Assembly, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said New Delhi was deeply concerned about continuing hostilities and called for restraint, de-escalation and the protection of civilians, as well as the uninterrupted flow of energy and commerce.
advertisement
“This year, we are witnessing a conflict in the Gulf, one that is exacerbating an already difficult situation. We remain deeply concerned over continuing hostilities,” Jaishankar said. He added that the targeting of commercial shipping and seafarers transiting international waterways was “simply unacceptable”.
“India calls upon all parties to exercise restraint, de-escalate tensions, ensure protection of civilians, and uninterrupted flow of energy and commerce,” he said. Referring to Ukraine, Jaishankar said the conflict, now almost nearing its fifth year, was “equally concerning”.
Jaishankar recalled Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s remarks in August on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation summit in Bishkek, saying, “endless war must give way now to an end to war.” Highlighting India’s support for ongoing peace efforts, he said, “Even as this is underway, there is an urgent need to address the security of seafarers, and supply of food grains and energy. India is prepared to do everything possible to ameliorate this situation, especially with regard to food and energy security.”
He also voiced concern over the continuing violence in West Asia. “Tensions and violence also regrettably continue in West Asia or the Middle East. We strongly believe that a durable and lasting peace requires a two-state solution,” he said, referring to the Israel-Palestine conflict. “In the meantime, India is contributing to humanitarian assistance and relief efforts for the Palestinian people,” Jaishankar said.
In his address, Jaishankar said India remained concerned by the conflicts in the Gulf, Ukraine and West Asia, and reiterated its call for restraint, civilian protection, safe shipping and progress towards peace.
With PTI Inputs
– Ends
SOURCE :- TIMES OF INDIA
