‘Situation in Gaza foremost concern, India supports ceasefire’: Jaishankar in Riyadh
- In Reports
- 11:44 PM, Sep 09, 2024
- Myind Staff
External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar described the current situation in Gaza as India's "primary concern" on Monday, stating that New Delhi advocates for a ceasefire "as soon as possible" in the region, where Israel and Hamas have been in conflict for the past 11 months.
S Jaishankar made the remarks while speaking at the first India-Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Ministerial Meeting for Strategic Dialogue in the Saudi capital.
“India’s position in this regard has been principled and consistent. While we condemn acts of terrorism and hostage-taking, we are deeply pained by the continuing death of innocent civilians. Any response must take into account the principles of humanitarian law. We support a ceasefire as soon as possible,” the minister said.
"On the larger issue, we have consistently stood for a resolution of the Palestinian issue through a two-State solution. We have also contributed to the building of Palestinian institutions and capacities. Where the humanitarian situation is concerned, we have provided relief and increased our support to UNRWA," Jaishankar added.
The minister said that “adversity" brings out the real importance of friendships. “The pandemic underlined how relevant we are to each other for health security, food security and maritime security. Similarly, the demands of AI, of electric mobility and of green growth highlight the importance of sharing human resources,” he said.
“Conflict and tensions bring out the importance of cooperating on connectivity. In a world moving towards multipolarity, we can be mutually supportive of each other’s aspirations,” the minister added.
Jaishankar added that the relationship between India and the GCC is rooted in a “rich tapestry of history, culture, and shared values.”
“These bonds have grown stronger with time, evolving into a partnership that spans economics, energy, defence, technology, education, people to people ties and beyond. There are many ways to contemplate our partnership. Let me offer the framework of 3Ps – People, Prosperity and Progress,” he added.
“Close to 9 million Indians work and live amongst you, acting as a living bridge between us. Their contributions to your economic progress are widely recognised. We thank you for ensuring their welfare and comfort,” Jaishankar said.
He noted that trade has not only grown in volume but also diversified, now covering a broad spectrum of goods and services that drive economic growth and generate employment. "The task before us is to invest in each other's future and support each other's continued prosperity," he said.
He recognised the GCC as a key pillar of the global energy supply and highlighted India as one of the world's largest and fastest-growing markets. "Much of the future demand is going to come from us. Our deeper collaboration will help in stabilising markets, driving innovation and enhancing energy security," he added.
"Our partnership in the areas of renewables, technology and innovation, health, space, and education can also help realize our respective national goals," S Jaishankar said.
S. Jaishankar stated that the GCC-India relationship is founded on trust, mutual respect, and a shared vision for the future. "It has a larger goal of advancing progress in a world that is characterised by technological advancements, changing geopolitics, shifts in the global economy and the urgent need to address environmental sustainability," he said.
Noting that the Gulf region occupies a central place in contemporary geopolitics, the minister said that, "in a world polarised by conflict and tension, we share a commitment to global peace, security, and stability."
Emphasising that adversity often reveals the true value of friendships, the minister noted that the pandemic highlighted our mutual importance in areas such as health security, food security, and maritime security.
"Similarly, the demands of AI, of electric mobility and of green growth highlight the importance of sharing human resources. Conflict and tensions bring out the importance of cooperating on connectivity. In a world moving towards multipolarity, we can be mutually supportive of each other's aspirations," he said.
"Let us use this platform to deepen our ties, explore new avenues of cooperation, and build a collaborative future," he said.
Image source: PTI
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