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India's External Affairs Minister, S Jaishankar, delivered a significant address at the G20 Foreign Ministers' meeting in Johannesburg, South Africa, emphasizing the urgent need for a strengthened multilateral approach to global challenges. His speech, delivered on February 21st, 2025, came ahead of the G20 Summit in November and served as a crucial articulation of India's foreign policy priorities on the world stage. Jaishankar's primary focus was on the deteriorating state of global order, significantly impacted by numerous unresolved conflicts. He directly addressed the growing strain on multilateralism, highlighting the increasing tendency towards unilateral actions and the need for a renewed commitment to international law and peaceful conflict resolution. The minister's call for inclusivity resonated throughout his address, underscoring the need for a more equitable global system where the concerns of developing nations are not marginalized. This directly challenged the existing power dynamics within global institutions, implicitly criticizing the dominance of certain nations in shaping international agendas.
A key element of Jaishankar's address was his assessment of regional conflicts. He specifically addressed the Middle East, welcoming the ceasefire between Israel and Hamas and reiterating India's support for a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. His comments highlighted India's commitment to combating terrorism and its concerns regarding the continued instability in Lebanon and Syria. Jaishankar emphasized the interconnectedness of regional stability with global peace and security, a critical point often overlooked in discussions about isolated conflicts. He also touched upon the critical issue of maritime security, emphasizing India's role in ensuring safe sea lanes, particularly in the Arabian Sea and Gulf of Aden. This directly highlighted India's naval contributions and its efforts to maintain uninterrupted global maritime trade, which are increasingly threatened by geopolitical tensions. The situation in the Indo-Pacific, particularly in relation to China’s activities, was also addressed.
The ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict formed a significant portion of Jaishankar's speech. He reiterated India's consistent call for a peaceful resolution through dialogue and diplomacy, emphasizing the global expectation for a cessation of hostilities. However, he also drew attention to other ongoing conflicts often neglected, such as those in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Sudan, underscoring the need for a more comprehensive approach to conflict resolution that doesn't focus solely on high-profile conflicts. This demonstrated India's commitment to addressing global issues comprehensively, rather than selectively focusing on certain regions or conflicts. The minister explicitly advocated for the upholding of international law, particularly the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), and warned against unilateral actions that undermine the global order. His comments seemed directed at China, particularly in light of its naval activities and expansion in the Indo-Pacific. He expressed concern over China's participation in Pakistan's AMAN-2025 naval exercise and its wider “String of Pearls” strategy, which has caused anxieties in New Delhi.
Jaishankar's address extended beyond regional conflicts, addressing the fundamental flaws within the existing global governance structure. He pointed out the deteriorating state of multilateralism, citing the frequent gridlock within the United Nations and its Security Council. He argued that mere restoration of functionality is insufficient; rather, a comprehensive overhaul is required to ensure these institutions are more inclusive, representative, and effective in addressing 21st-century challenges. His call for UN reform underscored the need for greater representation of developing nations and a less opaque, more collaborative decision-making process. This reflects India's growing influence on the global stage and its desire for a reformed international system that better reflects the complexities of the contemporary world order. The address also touched upon other global issues, including food, energy, and health security. He reaffirmed India’s commitment to sustainable development, disaster resilience, and financing for a just energy transition, balancing the needs of developing countries with climate action and supporting debt sustainability frameworks, particularly for low-income nations.
The speech also highlighted the internal divisions within the G20 itself. The absence of the US Secretary of State at the meeting, due to disagreements over South Africa's domestic and foreign policies, underscores the challenges in achieving consensus and effective collaboration within the group. This points to a complex geopolitical landscape where even within significant international forums, differing perspectives and national interests can create substantial barriers to cooperation. The overall message from Jaishankar's address was clear: a renewed commitment to multilateralism, respect for international law, and comprehensive reform of global institutions are crucial for addressing the multifaceted challenges facing the world. His call for inclusivity and a more equitable global order underscores India's growing role as a key player in shaping the future of international relations and its determination to advocate for a more just and stable world.
Source: Reinforcing Global Order: Jaishankar calls for multilateralism and diplomacy at G20 FM meeting