United Nations, Sep 26 India on Saturday told world leaders at the United Nations that “endless war must give way now to an end to war” as it expressed concern over continuing hostilities in the Gulf and described the conflict in Ukraine as “equally concerning”.
“This year, we are witnessing a conflict in the Gulf, one that is exacerbating an already difficult situation. We remain deeply concerned over continuing hostilities,” External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said in his address to the General Debate at the high-level 81st session of the UN General Assembly.
He called the targeting of commercial shipping and seafarers transiting international waterways “simply unacceptable”.
“India calls upon all parties to exercise restraint, de-escalate tensions, ensure protection of civilians, and uninterrupted flow of energy and commerce,” Jaishankar added.
He said the conflict in Ukraine, now almost nearing its fifth year, “is equally concerning.”
Jaishankar referred to comments by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in August on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation summit in Bishkek, saying “endless war must give way now to an end to war.”
Highlighting India’s support for ongoing initiatives to bring peace, he said, “Even as this is underway, there is an urgent need to address the security of seafarers, and supply of food grains and energy. India is prepared to do everything possible to ameliorate this situation, especially with regard to food and energy security.”
He also voiced concern over the continuing violence in West Asia.
“Tensions and violence also regrettably continue in West Asia or the Middle East. We strongly believe that a durable and lasting peace requires a two-state solution,” he said, referring to the Israel-Palestine conflict.
“In the meantime, India is contributing to humanitarian assistance and relief efforts for the Palestinian people,” Jaishankar said.
(PTI News)
