New York, September 25
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Thursday, without specifically mentioning the US, called out "double standard," highlighting the intricate link between international peace and global development, emphasising that both have deteriorated concurrently, impacting the Global South.
He said that "threatening development we cannot facilitate peace" and urged the international community to "move the needle towards dialogue and diplomacy."
He was speaking at a Foreign Ministers' meeting convened under the South African presidency of the G20, where Jaishankar centred his speech on the link between peace and development.
The remarks came in the backdrop of economic measures announced by the United States. Washington has already imposed a 50 per cent tariff on Indian goods, of which 25 per cent has been described as a sanction and punishment for India's continued purchases of Russian oil. Trump has also threatened additional trade restrictions on Russia, citing its ongoing war in Ukraine.
"Peace can certainly enable development, but by threatening development, we cannot facilitate peace. Making energy and other essentials more uncertain in an economically fragile situation helps no one. Therefore, the way out is to move the needle towards dialogue and diplomacy, not in the opposite direction towards further complications," Jaishankar told his counterparts.
Jaishankar also highlighted how the Global South has borne the brunt of higher costs for food, fuel and fertilisers.
"The costs, especially to the Global South in terms of energy, food and fertiliser security, were starkly demonstrated by ongoing conflicts, particularly in Ukraine and Gaza. Apart from jeopardising supplies and logistics, access and costs themselves became pressure points on nations. Double standards are clearly in evidence," he said.
The Minister underlined that double standards were evident in the way some countries approached conflicts. He argued that making essentials like energy more uncertain in an already fragile economic environment "helps no one" and only deepens divisions. "Peace can certainly enable development," he said, "but by threatening development, we cannot facilitate peace."
Jaishankar further noted that a few nations were in a position to engage both sides in conflict and should be encouraged to do so.
"In any conflict situation, there will be a few who can engage both sides. Such countries can be utilised by the international community, both to achieve peace and to maintain it thereafter," he added.
Jaishankar is also scheduled to address the United Nations General Assembly on september 27.
— ANI
Reader Comments
As someone working in international trade, I see these double standards daily. India's stance on Russian oil is pragmatic - we need affordable energy for our development. The US tariffs seem more political than practical.
While I agree with the main argument, I wish our government would also address how rising food prices are affecting ordinary Indians. The Global South suffers, but so do our own people. More balanced approach needed.
Jaishankar's diplomacy is making India proud on global stage! The message is clear: India will not be bullied into policies that harm our economic interests. 🇮🇳
Interesting perspective from India. The point about countries that can engage both sides in conflict is particularly relevant. Neutral nations could play bigger peacemaker roles.
The Global South has been suffering silently for too long. Glad India is raising this issue strongly. When developed nations impose sanctions, it's poor countries that suffer the most. Basic economics!
Well articulated! The link between peace and development is crucial. You can't expect countries to sacrifice their growth for geopolitical games played by others. Dialogue is indeed the way forward.
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