<p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 1rem;">Addressing the United Nations General Assembly, external affairs minister S Jaishankar has said that India is on the side of peace in the Ukraine conflict and will remain there; it is on the side that respects the United Nations charter and its founding principles; on the side that calls for diplomacy and dialogue; and on the side of those struggling to make ends meet, even as they stare at escalating costs of food, fuel and fertilisers.</span><br></p><div style="text-align: justify;"><br></div><div style="text-align: justify;">“It is therefore in our collective interest to work constructively, both within the United Nations and outside, in finding an early resolution to this conflict,” Jaishankar told the assembly.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br></div><div style="text-align: justify;">India also called out the current multilateral structure as “anachronistic and ineffective”. Jaishankar said, “It is also perceived as deeply unfair, denying entire continents and regions a voice in a forum that deliberates their future.”</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br></div><div style="text-align: justify;">He said that India was ready to take greater responsibilities, but also flagged the needs of the global south. HT had reported on Wednesday that India was set to focus on issues of the global south at the UN.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br></div><div style="text-align: justify;">During his speech, Jaishankar focused on the transformational period in international politics currently playing out, the series of shocks that had led to a reset in assumptions and policies, and projected India as a democratic and responsible power which was there in times of need for its neighbours and the global south while being the voice of reason in the global system.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br></div><div style="text-align: justify;">The minister used the UNGA perch to speak about post-Independence journey of Indians as they celebrate 75 years of Independence. “The story of that period has been one of toil, determination, innovation and enterprise of millions of ordinary Indians. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br></div><div style="text-align: justify;">They are rejuvenating a society pillaged by centuries of foreign attacks and colonialism.” He said they were doing so in a “democratic framework”, whose steady progress is reflected in more “authentic voices and grounded leadership”.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Jaishankar said this “new India” under Narendra Modi was “a confident and resurgent society” and listed out the five pledges the PM announced on Independence Day — to make India a developed country by 2047; liberation from a colonial mindset (“Externally, this means reformed multilateralism and more contemporary global governance.”); treating India’s rich civilisational heritage as a source of pride and strength (“this includes care and concern for the environment, so ingrained in our traditional ethos”); promoting greater unity and solidarity (“this expresses a coming together on global issues, such as terrorism, pandemics or the environment”) and instilling consciousness of duties and responsibilities (“This applies to nations, as much as it does to citizens”).</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br></div><div style="text-align: justify; ">The minister said it was this conviction that led India to supply vaccines to over 100 nations, create room for other nationals in distress during humanitarian assistance and disaster relief operations, offering partnerships to countries in Asia, Africa and Latin America “based on their needs and priorities”. </div><div style="text-align: justify; "><br></div><div style="text-align: justify;">“Today, that focus is on green growth, better connectivity, digital delivery and accessible health. Our solidarity is not just words; you can see them in 700 projects across the world.” Source:HT</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br></div><div style="text-align: justify; ">bnbd24/kh</div>