Source : INDIA TODAY NEWS
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said targeting commercial ships and seafarers transiting international waterways is “simply unacceptable”, as he addressed the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York.
Speaking on global conflicts and their wider impact, Jaishankar said peace is not merely the absence of war and warned that continued threats and pressures could push the world “over the edge of an abyss”.
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“Let us recognise that peace is not just the absence of war. If the world is subjected to continuous threats and pressures, then we are really living on the edge of an abyss. All it takes is one more step to push us over,” he said.
Jaishankar said it was imperative to strengthen stability, security and predictability, which he described as crucial elements of an environment conducive to peace.
The External Affairs Minister said the UN General Assembly was founded to maintain international peace and security and enable effective collective action. However, conflicts and confrontations continue to remain a primary concern.
“The inability to maintain peace is not just undermining security, it is threatening progress and retarding development,” Jaishankar said.
He said the effects of war are felt worldwide, with countries far from conflict zones also facing consequences.
“In a globalised world, the effects of war are felt worldwide. Countries far from conflicts are being penalised for no fault of theirs. Those most impacted often have the least to say,” he said.
Referring to the conflict in the Gulf, Jaishankar said India remained “deeply concerned” about continuing hostilities and their impact on an already difficult situation.
“The targeting of commercial shipping and seafarers transiting international waterways is simply unacceptable,” he said.
India called on all parties to exercise restraint, de-escalate tensions, protect civilians and ensure the uninterrupted flow of energy and commerce, Jaishankar said.
On the Ukraine war, now in its fifth year, Jaishankar said India remained concerned and backed ongoing efforts to bring peace.
“As Prime Minister Narendra Modi stated, endless war must give way now to an end to war. India supports ongoing initiatives to bring peace,” he said.
Jaishankar said there was also an urgent need to address the security of seafarers and ensure supplies of food grains and energy.
“India is prepared to do everything possible to ameliorate the situation, especially with regard to food and energy security,” he said.
On the situation in West Asia, Jaishankar said tensions and violence continued and reiterated India’s support for a two-state solution.
“We strongly believe that a durable and lasting peace requires a two-state solution,” he said.
– Ends
SOURCE :- TIMES OF INDIA
