Indian Prime Minister in talks with Russian and Ukrainian presidents: EAM

Vienna: India is deeply concerned about the ongoing war in Ukraine; hence the Prime Minister of India has had several discussions with the President of Russia and Ukraine. External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar expressed that India has been persistently warned that the issues could be resolved only by bilateral negotiations and not by war. Dr Jaishankar, while speaking to the Indian Community in Vienna, pointed out the need for urgent reforms in the United Nations (UN), which has completed 77 years since its establishment.

After his two days visit to Cyprus, Dr Jaishankar reached Vienna, Austria, where he interacted with the Indian community. He spoke about the war in Ukraine, reforms needed at the UN, and challenges posed by Pakistan’s terrorism and China’s aggression. Dr Jaishankar pointed out that India is concerned about the war in Ukraine; hence Prime Minister Narendra Modi has been in discussion with Russian President Putin and Ukrainian President Zelensky to diffuse the intensity of the war. Dr Jaishankar also reminded that in the presence of President Putin in the September SCO meeting in Samarkand, Uzbekistan, the Indian Prime Minister had stated that this was not the time for war.

Western countries have constantly targeted India for not taking a stand against Russia in the Ukraine war. However, External Affairs Minister Jaishankar clarified that India is not on the side of any country but on the side of peace. Jaishankar pointed out that not only India but most countries worldwide have the same role as India. The Foreign Minister also asserted the need to refresh the United Nations. External Affairs Minister Jaishankar demanded other countries get more representation in the UN as it is essential to reform the bloc, which has completed 77 years.

Meanwhile, Ruchira Kamboj, the Indian Ambassador to the United Nations, highlighted that there is no one to raise the voice of smaller countries in Africa and Asia at the UN. Due to this, the UN is losing its influence and significance, which is why the UN is being replaced by organizations that represent other countries like G20, claimed Ambassador Ruchira Kamboj. Against this backdrop, External Affairs Minister Jaishankar’s demand for urgent reforms in the United Nations becomes noteworthy. The Foreign Minister also pointed out that this year’s G20 conference in India has become very crucial.

At a time when global supply chains are disrupted and the world is politically divided, it is reassuring that all the major countries will be sitting at the same table for discussions. That is why the G20 conference held in India is very different, claimed External Affairs Minister Jaishankar. In his address, Jaishankar also attacked Pakistan-based terrorism. The export of terrorism from across the border cannot be prevented by actions in a single country, as the roots of terrorism lie in drug trafficking, arms trafficking, and other forms of crimes. A single government cannot control it, and it would require a collaborative effort from other countries. As the epicentre of global terrorism is very close to India’s borders, India’s experience and insight on this front can benefit other countries.

Jaishankar made this criticism without mentioning Pakistan directly. At the same time, the foreign minister pointed out that important changes are taking place in India’s security policy, and the challenges posed by China are responsible for this.

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