External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Thursday took a veiled swipe at the United States over its sanctions-led foreign policy, cautioning against unilateral coercive measures as India voiced concern over the worsening West Asia crisis and its fallout on global energy and trade routes.
Jaishankar's Remarks at BRICS Conclave
Speaking at the opening session of the BRICS foreign ministers' conclave, Jaishankar said sanctions and coercive measures that bypass international law end up hurting developing nations the most. He stated, without naming any country directly, that such measures disproportionately affect developing countries and cannot substitute dialogue, nor can pressure replace diplomacy.
Concerns Over West Asia Crisis
The minister also warned that continuing tensions in the Middle East, particularly around key shipping lanes and energy infrastructure, were creating serious global risks. He emphasized that the conflict in West Asia merits particular attention, highlighting the fragility of the situation due to ongoing tensions, risks to maritime traffic, and disruptions to energy infrastructure.
Jaishankar stressed that uninterrupted maritime movement through critical waterways such as the Strait of Hormuz and the Red Sea is essential for global economic stability. Pitching for diplomacy over confrontation, he said respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity must remain the foundation of international relations. He added that stability cannot be selective, and peace cannot be piecemeal, urging the need to uphold international law, protect civilians, and avoid targeting public infrastructure.
India's Support for Regional Stability
Jaishankar said India is ready to support efforts aimed at reducing tensions in the region and restoring stability. He also raised concerns over Gaza, calling for a sustained ceasefire, humanitarian access, and progress toward a two-state solution. Besides Gaza, he referred to crises in Lebanon, Syria, Sudan, Yemen, and Libya, urging coordinated international engagement to address them.
BRICS Meeting Amid Global Concerns
The India-hosted BRICS meeting comes amid mounting concerns over energy supply disruptions and wider economic uncertainty triggered by the ongoing West Asia conflict. Among those attending the conclave are Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, Brazilian Foreign Minister Mauro Vieira, Indonesian Foreign Minister Sugiono, and South African Minister Ronald Lamola.
Jaishankar reiterated India's position on terrorism, saying cross-border terrorism violates the basic principles of international relations and that zero tolerance must remain an uncompromising and universal norm.
