External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, addressing the G20 session in South Africa, underscored the strain on the global order due to ongoing conflicts and called for greater plurilateralism to address global deficits. He emphasized that the international agenda should not be dictated by the interests of a few and urged for collective efforts to uphold international law and multilateral cooperation.
Speaking at the G20 session titled “Discussion on the Global Geopolitical Situation,” Jaishankar welcomed the ongoing ceasefire-hostage deal between Israel and Hamas, reaffirming India’s strong condemnation of terrorism and its advocacy for a two-state solution.
“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.
Highlighting India’s contributions to maritime security, Jaishankar stressed the importance of ensuring stability in critical regions. “Ensuring maritime security in and around this region is essential. Indian naval forces have contributed to that in the Arabian Sea and Gulf of Aden. Restoring normal maritime commerce remains a priority,” he said.
On the Russia-Ukraine war, he reiterated India’s long-standing position favoring resolution 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,” he said.
Jaishankar also criticized the lack of global attention to other conflicts, such as those in the Democratic Republic of Congo, Sudan, and the Sahel, stating that these crises deserve as much focus as other geopolitical flashpoints.
Turning to the Indo-Pacific, he reaffirmed the necessity of respecting international law, particularly UNCLOS 1982. “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,” he added.
Jaishankar further criticized the dysfunctionality of multilateral institutions, stating, “As G20 members, we must recognize that multilateralism itself lies deeply damaged. The UN and its Security Council are often gridlocked. 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.”
G20’s role in a multipolar world
Jaishankar also stressed the importance of the G20 in a multipolar world, warning that rising geopolitical polarization has placed significant strain on the institution. He thanked South African Minister Ronald Lamola and President Cyril Ramaphosa for hosting the session and emphasized the G20’s role in shaping global consensus.
“The G20 is an important expression of the world’s growing multi-polarity. It captures the diversity of our interests, cultures, and outlook. For this very reason, its ability to harmonize viewpoints is key to advancing the global agenda,” he said.
However, he acknowledged the increasing divisions within the global order. “The polarization of recent years has created visible stress and distorted priorities. What we could do was, somehow, find enough common ground to safeguard this institution. Today, the imperative is to go beyond that,” he said.
Jaishankar listed multiple challenges facing the global system, including the lingering effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, financial pressures, food security issues, climate change, concentrated supply chains, and the weaponization of trade and finance. He also pointed to the geopolitical implications of technological advancements such as artificial intelligence, electric vehicles, space exploration, drones, and green hydrogen.
Jaishankar reiterated the need for diplomacy, international law, and respect for institutions like the UN Charter to navigate global challenges. “Geo-politics is a reality, as is national interest. But the very purpose of diplomacy—and a group like the G20—is to find common ground and create the basis for collaboration. We can do so best by observing international law, respecting the UN Charter, and preserving institutions.”
He further warned against escalating conflicts, adding, “Differences must not become disputes, disputes should not become conflicts, and conflicts should not lead to a bigger breakdown. There are lessons from the last few years for all of us to reflect on. But equally, an experience to draw upon as we seek to lead the world to a better place.”
(Inputs from ANI)
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