External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar has voiced his concerns over the persistent existence of “double standards” in the world, emphasizing that influential nations resist the pressure for change while leveraging their capabilities. Jaishankar made these remarks during a Ministerial Session titled ‘South Rising: Partnerships, Institutions and Ideas’ organized by the Observer Research Foundation, in collaboration with the Permanent Mission of India to the United Nations, United Nations India, and the Reliance Foundation.
He noted that political pressure for change surpasses political will and pointed out the resistance to change among nations holding influential positions, particularly in the UN Security Council. Jaishankar highlighted that economically dominant nations are using their production capabilities, and historically influential ones have weaponized their capabilities.
Despite the rhetoric of cooperation, Jaishankar emphasized that the world continues to exhibit double standards, as seen in examples like the COVID-19 pandemic. He stressed that the global South is increasingly exerting pressure on the international system, which is essential for cultural rebalancing and recognizing the diversity of the world.
Jaishankar also referred to the recent G20 Summit in Delhi and cited the example of millets, highlighting how market forces often override cultural diversity. He underscored the importance of respecting other cultures, traditions, and ways of life.
The event also featured addresses from India’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations Ambassador Ruchira Kamboj, Reliance Foundation CEO Jagannatha Kumar, UN Resident Coordinator in India Shombi Sharp, and ORF President Samir Saran. The panel discussion involved the participation of the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Portugal Joao Gomes Cravinho and the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, Jamaica, Kamina Johnson Smith.
Jaishankar expressed hope for progress in the reform of international financial institutions during India’s G20 Presidency, highlighting the need to refocus on issues like debt, Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) resourcing, climate action resourcing, digital access, nutrition, and gender that were overshadowed by COVID-19 and other global events.
In a response to a question about his stance on Europe, Jaishankar clarified that he is not tough on Europe and stressed the importance of addressing global issues collectively.
This summit, along with the Voice of Global South Summit hosted by India earlier, aims to address the concerns and perspectives of countries in the global South and refocus international discussions on crucial issues.
By PTI