Atlanta: External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar has urged countries to prioritise diplomatic engagement over military action to address international conflicts, while raising concerns over attacks on commercial vessels and their crews.
Speaking at the first plenary session of the G20 Foreign Ministers’ Meeting in Atlanta on Friday, Jaishankar called for the protection of freedom of navigation and an end to attacks on civilian shipping. He said maritime security must be upheld in accordance with international law, including the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).
The minister warned that disruptions to key shipping routes were affecting the movement of essential goods and pushing up the cost of commodities such as fuel, food and fertilisers. He added that developing countries, particularly those in the Global South, were facing a disproportionate share of the economic consequences.
India And Liberia Join Hands To Protect Seafarers
Jaishankar also highlighted India’s efforts to improve the safety of seafarers. He said India and Liberia had launched a joint initiative aimed at protecting maritime personnel.
His remarks come against the backdrop of repeated attacks on commercial vessels in West Asia. The situation has also raised concerns over the safety of Indian seafarers, including those operating in and around the Strait of Hormuz.
Jaishankar Raises Concerns Over Supply Chains And Industrialisation
At the meeting, the external affairs minister also spoke about the economic challenges facing developing nations. He argued that their ability to build industries was being affected by practices such as flooding markets, restricting market access, distorting competition and using supply chains as instruments of pressure.
In a post on X summarising his interventions, Jaishankar said these practices must end. He also called for stronger and alternative connectivity networks to help countries diversify supply chains and reduce their exposure to economic disruptions.
Minister Warns Against Overlooking Terrorism
On the issue of terrorism, Jaishankar cautioned countries against allowing short-term strategic interests to take precedence over the wider security threat.
He said tactical considerations should not lead governments to underestimate terrorism, warning that those who engage in or support such activities could eventually face their consequences.
Reiterating his position on global conflicts, Jaishankar said military action alone could not resolve the challenges confronting the international community. He stressed that diplomatic efforts should be given an opportunity to deliver solutions.
G20 Foreign Ministers Discuss Global Security And Trade
The two-day G20 Foreign Ministers’ Meeting is being hosted by US Secretary of State Marco Rubio in Atlanta. Foreign ministers and senior representatives from member countries are attending the discussions.
The meeting is taking place amid international disagreements over ongoing conflicts, trade-related issues and global security. Jaishankar’s interventions placed maritime safety, economic pressures on developing nations, supply-chain resilience and counterterrorism among the issues requiring international cooperation.
