Amid ongoing global conflicts, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Monday expressed India’s concerns over escalating tensions in the Middle East and a renewed focus on dialogue to resolve the prolonged Russia-Ukraine conflict. Speaking at the MED Mediterranean Dialogues Conference in Rome, Jaishankar underlined India’s proactive engagement in advocating peace and restraint amidst global crises.
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
Addressing the Middle East conflict, the minister condemned acts of terrorism and hostage-taking, while expressing concern over the humanitarian toll of the ongoing violence. He emphasized that civilian casualties on a large scale are unacceptable and urged all parties to adhere to international humanitarian law.
“India unequivocally condemns terrorism and hostage taking. It also regards large-scale civilian casualties in military operations to be unacceptable. International humanitarian law cannot be disregarded in immediate terms. We should all support a ceasefire,” Jaishankar said, reaffirming India’s position favoring a two-state solution.
Highlighting India’s diplomatic outreach, he noted regular high-level communication with Israel and Iran to facilitate dialogue. “We have been in regular touch with both Israel and Iran at the highest levels to advocate restraint and enhance communication,” he added.
Turning his attention to the Russia-Ukraine war, Jaishankar voiced concerns over its far-reaching consequences, particularly for regions like the Mediterranean, and underscored the futility of conflict as a means of resolution.
“Addressing the conflict in Ukraine is the other urgent imperative of our times. It is well into its third year. 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,” he asserted, calling for immediate global efforts to bring an end to the hostilities.
Jaishankar praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s active role in mediating between Russia and Ukraine, citing multiple engagements with both nations’ leaders. “PM Modi has personally engaged leaders of both Russia and Ukraine to this end. this has included his visit to Moscow and Kyiv,” he remarked.
In his concluding remarks, Jaishankar emphasized the importance of building a robust partnership between India and the Mediterranean region, noting shared opportunities in a rapidly changing global landscape.
