NEW DELHI: External affairs minister S Jaishankar, speaking at the Brics Plus Summit on Thursday, reiterated India’s pitch for reforms in the permanent and the non-permanent categories of the UN Security Council.
Speaking at the 16th Brics summit in Brics plus format in Russia’s Kazan, Jaishankar also sought reforms in the multilateral development banks, whose working procedures he said “are just as outdated as that of the UN”.
“By reforming established institutions and mechanisms, especially the UN Security Council in the permanent and the non-permanent categories. So too the multilateral development banks, whose working procedures are just as outdated as that of the UN,” Jaishankar said.
Listing out the five points while advocating for a more equitable global order, S Jaishankar said “Brics can make a difference for the Global South”.
“…How do we create a more equitable global order? First, by strengthening and expanding platforms of an independent nature and by widening the choices in different domains and minimizing undue reliance on those that can be leveraged. This is really where BRICS can make a difference for the Global South. Second, by reforming established institutions and mechanisms, especially the UN Security Council in the permanent and the non-permanent categories. So too the multilateral development banks, whose working procedures are just as outdated as that of the UN. India initiated an effort during its G20 Presidency and we are glad to see Brazil take that forward. Third, by democratizing the global economy through creating more production hubs… Fourth, by correcting distortions in global infrastructure that are a legacy from the colonial era. The world urgently needs more connectivity options that enhance logistics and mitigate risks. This must be a collective endeavour for the common good, with the utmost respect for territorial integrity and sovereignty. And fifth, by sharing experiences and new initiatives,” the minister said at the meeting.
Zero tolerance for terrorism
Jaishankar also underlined PM Modi’s “not an ear of war” remark and said “differences must be settled by dialogue and diplomacy”.
“Addressing conflicts and tensions effectively is a particular need of the day. Prime Minister Modi has emphasized that this is not an era of war. Disputes and differences must be settled by dialogue and diplomacy. Agreements, once reached, must be scrupulously respected. International law should be adhered to, without exception and there should be zero tolerance for terrorism,” he said.
Jaisankar on the situation in Middle East said: “The situation in the Middle East – West Asia for us, is an understandable concern. There is a widespread anxiety that the conflict would spread further in the region. Maritime trade has also been deeply affected. The human and material consequences of further escalation are truly serious. Any approach has to be fair and durable, leading to a two-state solution.”