Jaishankar at UN: Ukraine conflict matter of profound concern

United Nations: External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar on Thursday strongly reiterated India’s stand for an immediate cessation of all hostilities in Ukraine and a return to dialogue and diplomacy, adding that the trajectory of the “conflict is a matter of profound concern”.
Speaking at the UNSC Meeting on Ukraine, the EAM said that the future outlook appears even more disturbing.
“In a globalized world, the impact of the conflict is being felt even in distant regions. We have all experienced its consequences in terms of surging costs and actual shortages of foodgrains, fertilizers and fuel. On this score too, there are good grounds to be worried about what awaits us,” the Minister said.
“The global south, especially, is feeling the pain very acutely. We must therefore not initiate measures that further complicate the struggling global economy and that is why India strongly reiterates the need for an immediate cessation of all hostilities and a return to dialogue and diplomacy,” the EAM added, recalling Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s recent comment that “this is not the era of war”.
Jaishankar stressed that even in conflict situations, there can be no justification for violation of human rights or of international law.
Where any such acts occur, it is imperative that they are investigated in an objective and independent manner, he added.
Jaishankar also targeted China without naming the country for its act of placing a technical hold on the listing proposal for Jaish-e- Mohammed and Lashkar e Toiba terrorists including JeM’s Deputy Chief Abdul Rauf Asghar.
“The fight against impunity is critical to the larger pursuit of securing peace and justice. The Security Council must send an unambiguous and unequivocal message on this count. Politics should never ever provide cover to evade accountability. Nor indeed to facilitate impunity,” he said.
“Regrettably, we have seen this of late in this very Chamber, when it comes to sanctioning of some of the world’s most dreaded terrorists. If egregious attacks committed in broad daylight are left unpunished, this Council must reflect on the signals we are sending on impunity. There must be consistency if we are to ensure credibility,” the EAM added.
The Minister concluded his remarks by saying that the need of the hour is to end the conflict in Ukraine and return to the negotiating table.
(UNI)