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Jaishankar called for an immediate ceasefire in the Middle East and expressed support for a two-state solution.
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar at the Rome Mediterranean Dialogue 2024. (S Jaishankar/X)
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar expressed concerns over two major conflicts that have upended geopolitics, saying that the entire world “is experiencing severe stress”. He also stressed that no solutions emerge from the battlefield and offered to contribute meaningfully to any international diplomatic endeavours.
Speaking at the 10th edition of the Rome Mediterranean Dialogue 2024, Jaishankar said, “We all recognise that the world is experiencing severe stress. Two major conflicts are underway. Supply chains are insecure. Connectivity, especially maritime, stands disrupted. Climate events are more extreme and frequent. And the Covid pandemic has left deep scars.”
Jaishankar also highlighted India’s relevance in the Mediterranean region, underscoring the diaspora presence in the countries along with robust political and defence relations. He also highlighted big stakes in the Middle East in terms of energy, technology or industrial projects and that India’s presence and activities will continue to grow.
Pleased to address the 10th edition of @RomeMEDialogues today.Underlined 🇮🇳’s robust trade, investment and political linkages with the Mediterranean and West Asia/Middle East. And our commitment to further regional connectivity and cooperation through IMEEC and I2U2.
Spoke… pic.twitter.com/wtAFuAgWI4
— Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) November 25, 2024
‘India Unequivocally Condemns Terrorism’: EAM
Speaking on the ongoing war in Gaza, the EAM said India unequivocally condemned “terrorism and hostage-taking”, while saying that large-scale civilian casualties in military operations are also “unacceptable”. He said international humanitarian law cannot be disregarded and called for an immediate ceasefire while reiterating support for a two-state solution on the Palestinian issue.
“Our concerns have also been increasing on the widening of the conflict. We have been in regular touch with both Israel and Iran at the highest levels to advocate restraint and enhance communication. Where Lebanon is concerned, there is an Indian contingent like Italy, that is part of UNIFIL,” he added.
He also said that Indian naval ships have been deployed in the Gulf of Aden and the northern Arabian Sea to protect commercial shipping. The minister also said the conflict underway in the Middle East has “undoubtedly been a major complication”, but the IMEC (India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor) is proceeding ahead between India, UAE and Saudi Arabia.
‘No Solution On Battlefield’ In Ukraine
On the Russia-Ukraine war, Jaishankar reiterated the positions underscored by Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his visits to both countries. “The continuation of this conflict has serious destabilising consequences, including for the Mediterranean. What is clear is that no solution is going to emerge from the battlefield. India has consistently held the view that disputes in this era cannot be settled by war. There must be a return to dialogue and diplomacy; the sooner the better,” he said in Rome.
“We are today on the threshold of a new era. It is one of re-globalising, re-balancing and multi-polarity. It is also a more technology-centred future, with a premium on mobility of talent and greener growth. Opportunities in this world are as indivisible as anxieties,” he said in his concluding remarks.
Jaishankar, who arrived in Rome on Sunday on a three-day visit, will participate in the Outreach session of the G7 Foreign Ministers’ Meeting in Fiuggi, where India has been invited as a guest country. He is also expected to meet his counterparts from other participating nations in the G7-related engagements and hold bilateral discussions during the visit.