At the 79th UN General Assembly’s General Debate, India’s External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar voiced concern over escalating global conflicts, including the wars in Ukraine and Gaza. He emphasized that the world cannot adopt a “fatalistic” approach to ongoing large-scale violence. Referring to the Gaza war as “acquiring wider ramifications,” Jaishankar urged the international community to urgently address these crises and work towards peaceful solutions.
The conflict in Gaza, which began as Israel’s retaliation to Hamas’ October 7 attack, has now expanded beyond its borders, with Israel launching strikes on Hezbollah positions in Lebanon, raising the risk of a multi-front war in the Middle East.
“We are gathered here at a difficult time. The world has yet to recover from the aftermath of the Covid pandemic, the war in Ukraine continues into its third year, and now the conflict in Gaza is broadening in scope,” Jaishankar stated.
Hezbollah recently confirmed that its leader, Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah, was killed in an Israeli airstrike, further complicating the situation.
Highlighting the UN’s long-standing belief in the interconnection of peace and development, Jaishankar lamented that when challenges to peace arise, adequate attention is often not paid to their economic effects, especially on vulnerable populations. He warned that the world cannot turn a blind eye to the widespread impact of prolonged violence. “The global community must urgently seek solutions,” he stressed.
He also expressed frustration with the current state of international relations, noting that the world has become fractured and polarized, making dialogue and agreements increasingly difficult. “This is surely not what the founders of the United Nations envisioned,” he remarked.
Additionally, Jaishankar urged global leaders to lead by example in ensuring security and stability. He also condemned Pakistan for supporting terrorism, remarking that the consequences of its actions are now affecting its own society. “Pakistan’s karma is consuming its nation,” he said, underscoring that the country cannot shift blame elsewhere. “This is only karma,” he added.
