S Jaishankar said conflict in Gaza is a matter of great concern.

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said that India is concerned about the conflict in Gaza.

New Delhi:

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar has said that India is concerned about the conflict in Gaza and stressed that the humanitarian crisis arising from the conflicts requires a permanent solution that provides immediate relief to those most affected. He stressed that the world needs to make it clear that terrorism and hostage-taking are “unacceptable”.

In his virtual address at the 55th session of the Human Rights Council, Shri Jaishankar said, “The conflict in Gaza is of great concern to all of us. The humanitarian crisis arising from the conflicts requires a sustainable solution that immediately provides relief to those most affected. Provide relief. At the same time, we must be clear that terrorism and hostage-taking are unacceptable.”

“It also goes without saying that international humanitarian law must always be respected. It is important that the conflict does not spread within or outside the territory. And efforts must also focus on seeking a two-state solution where the Palestinian people To stay within safe limits,” he added.

Notably, Prime Minister Narendra Modi was one of the first world leaders to term the Hamas attack on Israel on October 7 as a terrorist attack. Following the Hamas attack, Israel launched a counteroffensive against the terrorist group in Gaza.

Highlighting India’s perspective, he said, “Let me remind you that the idea of ​​Indian civilization has always emphasized that the world shares one earth, we are one family and we have one future. As an inspiring vision And as a call to action, this Indian perspective is one of recognizing that we are defined more by how much we are alike than by our differences. But many are also affected by the choices made by a few. And this interconnectedness means real dialogue because the only way to find solutions is not just the right and the inevitable but actually the inevitable.”

He said countries need to work together in the United Nations and beyond to find lasting solutions to geopolitical challenges, calling it a “collective responsibility”. He stressed that it is important to recognize that multilateralism needs to “reform outdated structures and fix systemic flaws” to make it credible, effective and responsive.

In her remarks to the 55th session of the Human Rights Council, she said, “It is therefore in our collective interest and responsibility to work together, both inside and outside the United Nations, to find lasting solutions to geopolitical challenges. For this to happen, it is vital that we The first believes that the time has come to reform outdated structures and correct systemic flaws to make multilateralism credible, effective and responsive and to urgently make multilateral frameworks fit for purpose that reflect current global realities. Let me conclude by reaffirming India’s strong commitment to the promotion and protection of human rights and their enjoyment by our people.”

He said India’s approach towards human rights is rooted in democratic principles and pluralistic ethos. He said India’s society and politics are based on the institutional strengths of an independent judiciary, strong media and vibrant civil society.

He said, “India’s approach to human rights is rooted in our democratic principles and pluralistic ethos. Our Constitution guarantees the protection of civil and political rights and provides for the progressive realization of economic, social and cultural rights. Our society and politics rests on our institutional base.” The strength of an independent judiciary, strong media and vibrant civil society. These values ​​have informed India’s policies both domestically and globally. And so, I believe we have a lot to contribute.”

Describing 2024 as a crucial year for India’s democracy, Mr Jaishankar said around 960 million voters are gearing up to exercise their right to vote in the upcoming elections. He said, “This is not just a political exercise but a celebration of democracy, a festival where every voice resonates and every vote counts. In a world where the principles of democracy are constantly tested, India is a place of hope and “Stands as a beacon of resilience.” , demonstrating the power of the people to shape their collective future.”

Speaking about the achievements of India’s G20 Chairmanship, he said that the African Union has become a permanent member of the G20 and said that the G20 New Delhi Leaders’ Declaration has led to a number of initiatives for various sectors including digital public infrastructure, climate action and women-led development. Solutions have been presented.

Shri Jaishankar said, “On India’s initiative, the African Union became a permanent member of the G20. The G20 New Delhi Leaders’ Declaration presented solutions on multiple domains such as digital public infrastructure, climate action, reform of international financial institutions, women- ” Leadership development, education, AI to name a few.”

He expressed India’s readiness to share its experiences and expertise with those who wish to benefit from it. He said India’s development cooperation that extends across the world is “guided by the priorities of our partners, builds local capacities and adheres to fiscal responsibility and transparency.”

Highlighting India’s efforts in helping needy countries, Mr Jaishankar said India was a first responder during disaster emergencies in Turkey and Syria in 2023. He said that when Sri Lanka faced a serious economic crisis, India provided assistance to it.

He said, “India has been at the forefront in extending a helping hand when it is needed most. We demonstrated this during the COVID pandemic as well as as first responders in disaster emergencies like Turkey and Syria last year. In and when Sri Lanka experienced a serious disaster.” Economic Crisis. Under Prime Minister Modi’s vision of inclusive development with participation, trust and contribution of all, India stands firm in its resolve to ensure a dignified life for its people by giving priority to gender empowerment.”

Mr Jaishankar said that one-third of the seats in India’s legislatures are reserved for women. He said India’s rapid progress in meeting Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) targets, financial inclusion and democratization of technology will be helpful for other countries in similar journeys.

“Thus we have taken the lead in building partnerships such as the International Solar Alliance, the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure, the Global Biofuels Alliance and initiatives such as the International Year of Millet to help countries address the challenges of climate change and food security. Have promoted.” ” He added.

He congratulated Omar Znibar, President of the UN Human Rights Council, on his re-election as President of the Council and assured him and all mechanisms of the Council of the Indian delegation’s full support and cooperation. Mr Jaishankar said India is committed to working with Council members and observers to promote and protect all human rights.

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