India’s Jaishankar Challenges ‘Rules-Based Order’ at UN

Sept. 26, 2023, (EIRNS)—Indian Minister of External Affairs S. Jaishankar addressed the UN General Assembly today, where he spoke to the challenges to development presented by the pandemic and the repercussions of ongoing conflicts, tensions, and disputes. “As a result, socio-economic gains of recent years have been rolled back,” he said.

Referring to the recent G20 summit hosted by India, he said, “at a time when East-West polarization is so sharp and North-South divide so deep, the New Delhi Summit also affirms that diplomacy and dialogue are the only effective solutions. The international order is diverse and we must cater for divergences, if not differences. The days when a few nations set the agenda and expected others to fall in line are over.”

Jaishankar referred to the decision made at the G20 to admit the African Union as a permanent member, as an example of the kind of reform also needed for the UN Security Council.

On India’s advancing role on the international stage, the diplomat said, “Even as we encourage collective endeavors, India also seeks to promote cooperation with diverse partners. From the era of non-alignment, we have now evolved to that of Vishwa Mitra (a friend to the world).”

He called out the so-called “rules-based order”:

“Excellencies, in our deliberations, we often advocate the promotion of a rules-based order. From time to time, respect for the UN Charter is also invoked. But for all the talk, it is still a few nations who shape the agenda and seek to define the norms. This cannot go on indefinitely. Nor will it go unchallenged.

“A fair, equitable and democratic order will surely emerge, once we all put our minds to it....

“Similarly, respect for territorial integrity and non-interference in internal affairs cannot be exercises in cherry-picking.

“When reality departs from rhetoric, we must have the courage to call it out. Without genuine solidarity, there can never be real trust. This is very much the sentiment of the Global South.”