'Not an era of war': EAM Jaishankar calls for dialogue, diplomacy amid major global conflicts
Sofia, June 11
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar reiterated India's stance that amid multiple major conflicts, dialogue and diplomacy remain the way forward. He highlighted the need for supply chain resilience and diversification in the wake of economic risks arising from such conflicts and reiterated that maritime trade should not be endangered.
Jaishankar made the statements in his press remarks after the meeting with his Bulgarian counterpart Velislava Petrova-Chamova.
Highlighting how the world is passing through an exceptionally volatile and uncertain future, with multiple major conflicts, concerns about economic security, recent experience of the pandemic, and recurring threat of terrorism, Jaishankar said, "India has a clear position in respect of all of them. We believe that this is not an era of war. The only solution to this conflict is dialogue and diplomacy."
He mentioned how as the voice of the Global South, India has highlighted concerns about energy, food and fertiliser security--with a call for unimpeded maritime trade.
"Where economic risks are concerned, the answer is in supply chain resilience and in further diversification. It is important that maritime trade is neither impeded nor endangered. On behalf of the Global South, India has also repeatedly underlined concerns of energy, food and fertilisers," he said.
"As for terrorism, the world must be clear on zero tolerance. On all these issues, there was a meeting of minds between India and Bulgaria," Jaishankar informed.
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar paid a visit to Bulgaria and interacted with the senior leadership with discussions focused on bilateral cooperation, partnership between India and the European Union and what the two countries can do together going forward.
On Wednesday, high-level talks were held with Bulgarian leaders, including Prime Minister Rumen Radev and Foreign Minister Velislava Petrova-Chamova, focusing on expanding bilateral cooperation across a wide range of sectors and strengthening India's engagement with Bulgaria and the European Union.
During his talks with his Bulgarian counterpart, the EAM noted that both sides "reviewed the full spectrum of India-Bulgaria relations and explored new avenues for cooperation, particularly in the context of the India-EU FTA negotiations conclusion, the Strategic & Defence Partnership, and the Comprehensive Mobility Cooperation Framework."
EAM will now visit Finland on June 11, where he will participate in the 14th edition of the Kultaranta Talks. This year's edition will be held on the theme 'A World in Transition: Global, Regional and Local Perspectives'. During the visit, he will also hold meetings with his Finnish counterpart and other senior leadership, as per the statement by the MEA.
— ANI
Reader Comments
The emphasis on supply chain resilience and maritime trade safety is crucial. Especially for a country like India that relies heavily on sea routes. Good to see our foreign policy being pragmatic and forward-looking. Hope this translates into concrete action.
As someone from the West, I appreciate India's balanced approach. The 'not an era of war' message resonates globally. But I wonder how effective dialogue will be with actors who don't believe in diplomacy. Still, India's role as a bridge between Global South and West is important.
Respectful criticism: While dialogue is important, India must also back it up with stronger economic and strategic partnerships. The world is becoming multipolar, and we can't just rely on words. Need to see more concrete outcomes from these visits, not just press releases.
Really proud that India is raising issues of food and fertilizer security for the Global South. Many developing countries are suffering due to these conflicts. Our foreign policy under Jaishankar has been consistent and assertive. Well done, EAM! 👏
Interesting to see India's engagement with Bulgaria. The focus on EU FTA and defence partnership suggests deeper strategic ties. I hope this isn't just balancing act between major powers but genuine independent foreign policy. Time will tell.
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