India says at the UN, Countries must continue to believe in power of Diplomacy

External Affairs Minister Dr. S Jaishankar has stressed the need to continue to believe in the promise of diplomacy and the need for international cooperation. Addressing the 77th high-level session of the UN General Assembly in New York last night, the Minister said, the world must strive to return to the course of seeking peace, progress, and prosperity.

On Ukraine, India reiterated its stand on peaceful dialogue and diplomacy as key to resolve the Ukraine conflict. Dr. Jaishankar said, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, during a meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin at the SCO Summit, had asserted that India believed in a peaceful resolution and was concerned about ongoing conflict.

He said it is in collective interest to work constructively, both within the UN and outside, in finding an early resolution to this conflict.

The Minister said India is firm on a zero-tolerance approach to cross-border terrorism. He said India has borne the brunt of cross-border terrorism for decades. Dr. Jaishankar said, there is no justification for any act of terrorism, regardless of motivation. He said countries that defended proclaimed terrorists in the UN neither advanced their own interests nor their reputation.

Dr. Jaishankar said India is confident under the leadership of Prime Minister Modi. He said the government has resolved to make India a developed country in the next 25 years.

The External Affairs Minister lauded India’s economic growth in the past 75 years. He pointed out that colonialism had reduced India to one of the poorest nations, but today India is the fifth biggest economy in the world. 

Dr. Jaishankar further talked about India’s Covid vaccine initiative that had aided over 100 nations. He said India is meeting its development targets, as well as offering partnerships to nations in Asia, Africa, and Latin America.

The Minister pointed out that in its pursuit of climate action and justice, India has worked with partners on the International Solar Alliance, the One Sun-One World-One Grid initiative, and the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure. He said India remains deeply committed to fighting climate change under the UNFCCC and the Paris Agreement.

The minister reaffirmed India’s faith in UN and its charter. He said India stands committed to strengthen its partnership with United Nations to ensure a brighter future for the planet.