The resolution calls on the international community to resolve conflicts through inclusive dialogue…reports Asian Lite News
The General Assembly on Thursday adopted a resolution to declare 2025 as the International Year of Peace and Trust.
The resolution calls on the international community to resolve conflicts through inclusive dialogue and negotiation in order to ensure the strengthening of peace and trust in relations between UN member states as a value that promotes sustainable development, peace and security, and human rights.
It encourages all member states, organizations of the UN system and other international, regional and subregional organizations, as well as other relevant stakeholders, to observe the International Year in an appropriate manner and to disseminate the advantages of peace and trust.
It invites the UN Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization and the Department of Political and Peacebuilding Affairs of the UN Secretariat to facilitate the implementation of the International Year.
In a separate resolution, the General Assembly declares Nov. 15 as the International Day for the Prevention of and Fight Against All Forms of Transnational Organized Crime.
The resolution invites all UN member states, the organizations of the UN system and other global and regional organizations, as well as other relevant stakeholders, to commemorate the International Day in an appropriate manner, including through educational and public awareness-raising activities, and to share best practices in this regard.
It invites the UN Office on Drugs and Crime, in collaboration with other relevant entities, to facilitate the observance of the International Day.
India's Permanent Representative Ruchira Kamboj introduces the resolution at the General Assembly on Wednesday, June 14, 2023, to create a memorial for peacekeepers who made the supreme sacrifice in UN operations. (Photo Source: UN)
The conflict in Gaza escalated after the October 7 attack by Hamas, where about 2,500 terrorists breached the border into Israel from the Gaza Strip, leading to casualties and the seizure of hostages…reports Asian Lite News
India is committed to support a two-state solution where the Palestinian people are able to live freely in an independent country, with due regard to the security needs of Israel, India’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations Ruchira Kamboj has said.
Delivering an address at the United Nations General Assembly Meeting on the Use of Veto on Monday, Kamboj said that India’s position on the conflict has been clear and has been stated on several occasions.
“Only a Two-State solution, achieved through direct and meaningful negotiations between both sides on final status issues, will deliver an enduring peace. India is committed to support a Two-State solution where the Palestinian people are able to live freely in an independent country within secure borders, with due regard to the security needs of Israel,” Kamboj said.
Urging for immediate de-escalation, India’s Permanent envoy said, “In order to arrive at a lasting solution, we urge for immediate de-escalation, eschewing violence, release of all hostages, avoiding provocative and escalatory actions, and to work towards creating conditions for an early resumption of direct peace negotiations.”
“India’s position on the conflict has been clear and has been stated on several occasions by our leadership…the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas has led to large scale loss of civilian lives, especially women and children. As I mentioned before, this has also resulted in an alarming humanitarian crisis. This is clearly unacceptable,” she strongly noted.
Kamboj said, “We have strongly condemned the deaths of civilians in the conflict. It is critical to prevent further escalation of violence and hostilities. It is imperative to avoid the loss of civilian lives in any conflict situation. International law and international humanitarian law must be respected under all circumstances.”
Reiterating India’s stance on Israel-Hamas war, she stated that the trigger of the conflict were the terror attacks in Israel on October 7 last year. Those attacks require unequivocal condemnation.
“India has a longstanding and uncompromising position against terrorism in all its forms and manifestations. There can be no justifications for terrorism and hostage taking. We demand the immediate and unconditional release of all hostages,” Kamboj said.
She called for humanitarian aid to the people of Gaza be scaled up immediately in order to avert a further deterioration in the situation.
“We urge all parties to come together in this endeavour. We welcome the efforts of the UN and international community in this regard. India has provided humanitarian aid to the people of Palestine and will continue to do so,” Kamboj added.
The conflict in Gaza escalated after the October 7 attack by Hamas, where about 2,500 terrorists breached the border into Israel from the Gaza Strip, leading to casualties and the seizure of hostages.
Israel has characterised its Gaza offensive as targeting Hamas’ infrastructure with the goal of eliminating the entire terror group while making efforts to minimize civilian casualties.
Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has time and again, made it clear that Israel would not agree to a ceasefire, and has noted that calls for a ceasefire between Israel and Gaza are calls for Israel to surrender to Hamas.
Earlier on February 26, CNN reported that Hamas backed off some key demands in the negotiations for a hostage deal and paused the fighting in Gaza after Israeli said that its position was “delusional”.
It brought the negotiating parties closer to an initial agreement that could halt the fighting and see a group of Israeli hostages released, according to two sources familiar with the discussions.
Following the meeting held in Paris between the US, Egyptian, and Israeli intelligence chiefs and the Qatari prime minister, a senior Biden administration official said, “The major obstacles have been resolved in terms of Hamas insisting on a full withdrawal of Israeli forces and an end to the war,” CNN reported.
“Hamas’ requirements for the number of Palestinians (prisoners that) would have to be freed have declined,” the official added. (ANI)
President of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) Dennis Francis paid ‘solemn tribute’ to Mahatma Gandhi at Rajghat….reports Asian Lite News
Dennis Francis, the president of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), paid a ‘solemn tribute’ to the ‘Father of the Nation’ at his final resting place, Rajghat, in the national capital on Monday.
His commemoration was significant as several global dignitaries honoured the enduring legacy of Mahatma Gandhi.
“A solemn tribute to Bapu! @UN_PGA Dennis Francis laid a wreath at Rajghat and paid respects to Mahatma Gandhi. Mahatma’s timeless ideals hold relevance for entire humanity,” the Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson, Randhir Jaiswal, posted from his X handle.
India’s permanent representative to the UN, Ruchira Kamboj, was also present as the UNGA president laid floral tributes at the Mahatma’s memorial.
In his role as the president of the UN General Assembly, Francis laid a wreath at the memorial, signifying the acknowledgement of the international community of the Mahatma’s enduring impact on peace, non-violence and human rights.
On his arrival on Monday morning, Francis expressed his happiness amid the ‘Pran Pratishtha’ of Ram Lalla in Ayodhya, saying he was looking forward to discussing peace and progress of the country.
The UNGA President said, “Delighted to arrive in New Delhi on an auspicious day when the country is celebrating its ‘Second Diwali’.
“Namaste, Bharat! Delighted to arrive in New Delhi on an auspicious day when the country is celebrating its ‘Second Diwali’. Looking forward to fruitful discussions over the next few days on Peace, Progress, Prosperity and Sustainability!” the UNGA president posted from his official X handle.
Francis arrived in New Delhi on a five-day visit during which he would focus on advancing the India-UN ties.
The UNGA President was received at the airport by India’s permanent representative to the world body, Kamboj.
He is visiting India at the invitation of External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar. The UNGA chief will conclude his visit on Republic Day, January 26.
The theme of his presidency of the 78th UNGA is ‘Rebuilding trust and reigniting solidarity’.
Over the course of his India visit, Francis will hold talks with EAM Jaishankar on key multilateral issues of mutual interest.
In New Delhi, he will also attend a round table on India’s advancements in Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) while also delivering a public address at the Indian Council of World Affairs (ICWA) on ‘Multilateralism and Peace, Prosperity, Progress, and Sustainability’ on January 24, according to an official release by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA).
Francis will then travel to Jaipur and Mumbai. In Mumbai, he will pay floral tributes at the memorial in honour of the victims of the 26/11 terror attacks.
His engagements in Mumbai will include a visit to the National Stock Exchange and an address on New Orientation for Reformed Multilateralism organized by the Observer Research Foundation (ORF), according to the MEA release.
On January 26, the concluding day of his visit, Francis will participate as a state guest at the Republic Day Parade in Maharashtra.
The UNGA President’s visit to India presents a unique opportunity to strengthen ties with the UN in general and the General Assembly in particular, which is considered to be the most representative organ of the world body.
Discussions during his visit would revolve around India’s call for reforms at the United Nations, particularly the Security Council, to make it more equitable and representative with a view to enhancing the representation of developing countries.
The visit will also be an opportunity to enhance India’s collaboration with the United Nations on Indian priorities as well as the global challenges being faced by the Global South, according to the official MEA release. (ANI)
India Hands Over 15th Aid Consignment to Ukraine
Amid the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war, Indian envoy to Ukraine, Harsh Kumar Jain handed over the 15th consignment of humanitarian aid to Ukraine on Friday, Embassy of Ukraine in India said on Sunday.
The Indian envoy handed over the consignment, which included ten 30 Ifl/A generators, to the Director of the “Kryla Nadiyi” Charitable Fund, Mataliya Liska, in the presence of the Head of the Lviv Regional State Administration, Maksym Kozytskyy.
The Embassy said the generators will be provided to eight educational institutions in Lviv region to support their educational processes.
The Ukrainian Embassy also expressed its gratitude for the humanitarian aid provided by the Indian government.
The statement said, “We express our sincere gratitude for provided humanitarian assistance during the hard times of Russian aggression. We highly appreciate the human-centric approach of the Government of India and its commitment to continue to provide humanitarian support to the people of Ukraine.”
Earlier in August, India handed over the 14th consignment of humanitarian aid comprising essential medicines to crisis-hit Ukraine. The aid was handed over by Indian Ambassador to Ukraine Harsh Jain.
The consignment was handed over to Ukraine’s Deputy Minister of Health, Ihor Kuzin and commenting on this, Ukrainian Minister thanked the Government of India for the assistance.
Recently, India and Ukraine held the ninth round of the India-Ukraine Foreign Office Consultations (FOC) in Kyiv and exchanged perspectives on the ongoing Moscow and Kyiv conflict and peace efforts.
Ministry of External Affairs Secretary (West) Sanjay Verma co-chaired the 9th Foreign Office Consultations (FOC) with Ukraine’s First Deputy Minister of Foreign Ministry Emine Dzhaparova, according to the statement released by MEA.
“The two sides reviewed bilateral ties in their entirety and also exchanged perspectives on the ongoing conflict and peace efforts. Global and multilateral issues of mutual interest were also on the agenda,” the statement read. (ANI)
During the trip, Francis will be accompanied by his Chef de Cabinet Collen Vixen Kelapile….reports Asian Lite News
UN General Assembly President Dennis Francis is to visit India later this month after attending the Nonaligned and Group of 77 summits in Uganda, according to his spokesperson Monica Grayley.
She told reporters on Tuesday that he is scheduled to visit India and China after his trip from January 17 to 21 to Kampala for the summits.
The itinerary for the India visit was not immediately available.
Security Council reform, South-South Cooperation and the UN’s sustainable development goals are likely to figure in his interactions with officials in India.
During the trip, Francis will be accompanied by his Chef de Cabinet Collen Vixen Kelapile.
Francis, a career diplomat from Trinidad who was elected Assembly president last year, will highlight at the summits in Kampala “that at a time of unprecedented crises, the combined voice of the Global South is needed much more”, Grayley said.
External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar will be representing India at the two summits.
Francis has expressed the need for moving ahead with the deadlocked reform of the Security Council, which is of importance to India.
“Our objective must be to find and/or create ways to move beyond a perpetual stalemate” as the need of the hour is for “a Council that is more balanced, more representative, more responsive, more democratic, and more transparent”, he said at a roundtable on the reform co-sponsored by India last month.
Francis has expressed appreciation for India’s development efforts across the Global South.
At a meeting in November lasy year, he said the India UN Development Fund’s contribution “is no small feat, especially in this age of shrunken fiscal spaces, compounded by the impacts of pandemic and other global shocks in recent years”.
In his country, he said, “it supports innovative, Southern-owned and led demand-driven sustainable development projects”.
At September’s annual high-level debate, council reform was a common refrain from the podium, including expanding its membership…reports Asian Lite News
In a world shadowed by the turmoil in Ukraine and Gaza, the urgency for reforming the UN Security Council has reached an unprecedented peak, Dennis Francis, President of the 78th session of the UN General Assembly (UNGA), has said.
Amid the assembly’s annual discourse, evaluating the United Nations’ foremost platform for peace and security, Francis on Thursday conveyed with deep conviction that without fundamental structural reform, the council’s effectiveness and credibility are destined to progressively diminish, Xinhua news agency reported.
“Violence and war continue to spread in regions across the world, while the United Nations seems paralyzed due largely to the divisions in the Security Council,” he said.
With the world changing quickly, the council is “dangerously falling short” of its mandate as the primary custodian for the maintenance of international peace and security, he said, adding, “Absent structural reform, its performance and legitimacy will inevitably continue to suffer, and so too, the credibility and relevance of the UN itself.”
While the question of equitable representation has been on the assembly’s agenda since 1979, the calls for reform have grown amid widening conflict worldwide, underscored the UNGA president.
At September’s annual high-level debate, council reform was a common refrain from the podium, including expanding its membership.
Recent crises and the inability of the Security Council to agree on a unified position such as on the Ukraine crisis and the Israel-Palestine crisis, have further underscored that urgency.
The Security Council passed its first resolution on the Israel-Palestine conflict on Wednesday since the crisis erupted on Oct. 7.
In his speech, Francis went on to warn the assembly that gridlock on the Security Council can be just as challenging as dealing with chaos.
“I caution this august house that stasis can be as formidable a foe as chaos. We cannot usefully perpetuate positions that, while familiar, fail to bring us closer together,” he said, urging fresh, innovative thinking on reforms.
“One of the ways we can repair trust,” Francis said, is to strengthen solidarity and conciliation, highlighting the importance of the Summit of the Future next year.
He called on member states to “grasp this opportunity” to break through ingrained positions, and to promote Security Council reform through practical steps that support effectiveness and represent the full diversity of today’s world.
Palestine has affirmed the need to ensure accountability with this resolution in case of non-compliance…reports Asian Lite News
Welcoming the overwhelming support for the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) resolution, calling for immediate, durable and sustained humanitarian truce between Israeli forces and Hamas in Gaza, the State of Palestine has urged for compliance of this resolution.
Palestine has also affirmed the need to ensure accountability with this resolution in case of non-compliance.
The remarks came as the United Nations General Assembly on Friday (local time) adopted a resolution calling for an “immediate, durable and sustained humanitarian truce” between Israeli forces and Hamas in Gaza. The resolution made no specific mention of the Hamas attacks of October 7.
The Jordanian-led draft resolution was adopted by the General Assembly, with 120 votes in favour, 14 against and 45 abstentions. The 45 nations that abstained from voting on the resolution included Iceland, India, Panama, Lithuania and Greece.
“Today, here in the General Assembly, in the world’s parliament, countries of principle & conscience, peace-loving nations stood up & proved that the int. community has not forsaken humanity (Cont.),” posted State of Palestine’s Mission to the UN on X.
“The State of Palestine welcomes the overwhelming support for the General Assembly resolution calling for the protection of the Palestinian people in the Gaza Strip from Israel’s onslaught and massacres and the unequivocal call for immediate humanitarian truce and unimpeded humanitarian assistance as well as the unambiguous rejection of any attempts at the forced transfer of the Palestinian population,” said the Palestinian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates in a statement.
“As the Israeli assault against the Palestinian people reaches a new peak of brutality, including a complete communications blackout, there is a solid international position rejecting Israel’s unhinged aggression and its clear disregard for international humanitarian law and the lives of Palestinian civilians. This vote signals the commitment of a moral majority of the international community to uphold its obligations and the rejection of double standards and politicisation of international humanitarian law,” the statement added.
The statement also appealed to Israel to comply with its obligations and heed the calls of the international community: “End its aggression, end its massacres, and end its mass killing of the Palestinian people”.
The State of Palestine calls on all States to comply with this resolution and affirms the need to ensure accountability in with this resolution in case of non-compliance, it said.
Meanwhile, Israel slammed the UNGA resolution urging a humanitarian truce in Gaza and added that it is a dark day for the UN and mankind.
Gilad Erdan, Israel’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, stressed that Israel will continue to defend itself and use every means at its disposal to accomplish this mission.
In his remarks at the United Nations General Assembly Emergency Special Session on the Israel-Hamas war, Erdan said, “The truth holds zero importance in this body. Today, the majority of the community has shown that it prefers to support the defence of Nazi terrorists rather than support the law-abiding state of Israel to defend its civilians. Anyone who is truly interested in preventing violence shouldn’t vote for resolutions protecting terrorists.
“Whoever truly wants to prevent more violence should be calling on Hamas to lay down their arms, turn themselves in, and return all hostages. If this were to happen, the war would end immediately. This is a dark day for the UN and for mankind.”
Speaking about Israel’s counter-offensive against Hamas, Erdan said, “Israel will continue to defend itself. We will defend our future, our very existence, by reading the words of Hamas’s, evil, so that it can never threaten anyone else again. Israel will use every means at our disposal to accomplish this mission. Israel will do what must be done to eradicate Hamas’s capabilities and bring the hostages home and we will bring them home.”
Criticising the UN for adopting the resolution, he said, “We have all witnessed that the UN no longer holds even one ounce of legitimacy or relevance. This organisation was founded in the wake of the Holocaust for the purpose of preventing atrocities. Yet the spectacle we just saw proves beyond a doubt that the UN is committed sadly tragically, not to preventing but ensuring further atrocities.”
Meanwhile, US Secretary of State, Antony Blinked reiterated a Two-State solution for the conflict. At UNGA, Blinken said, “We must redouble our collective efforts to build an enduring political solution to the conflict between Israelis and Palestinians. The only road to lasting peace and security in the region is through two states for two peoples.”
“Palestinians deserve equal measures of security, freedom, justice, opportunity and of dignity,” Blinken said. (ANI)
It is pertinent to note that India was in favour of the Canadian resolution which condemned the attacks by Hamas.
Even as India was among the countries that abstained from voting for a non-binding Jordanian resolution, it voted in favour of a Canada-led amendment to the draft resolution on the Gaza crisis which failed to pass at the UNGA as it did not achieve a two-thirds majority.
Canada proposed an amendment to the resolution drafted by Jordan, which originally called for unhindered humanitarian access in the Gaza Strip but did not condemn Hamas. Canada’s proposed amendment sought to insert a paragraph condemning the “terrorist attacks by Hamas.”
India abstained from voting on the Jordanian resolution which called for an “immediate, durable and sustained humanitarian truce” between Israeli forces and Hamas in Gaza. However, it is pertinent to note that India was in favour of the Canadian resolution which condemned the attacks by Hamas.
The Jordanian-led draft resolution was adopted by the General Assembly, with 120 votes in favour, 14 against and 45 abstentions. The 45 nations that abstained from voting on the resolution included Iceland, India, Panama, Lithuania and Greece.
The resolution was adopted during the UN General Assembly’s emergency special session on the Israel-Palestine crisis. The UNGA also demanded “continuous, sufficient and unhindered” provision of lifesaving supplies and services for civilians trapped inside the enclave.
The Canada-led amendment to the draft resolution on the Gaza crisis did not pass at the UNGA. It failed to achieve a two-thirds majority. An amendment proposed by Canada “unequivocally rejects and condemns the terrorist attacks by Hamas” in Israel which started on October 7 and the taking of hostages.
During the voting on the Canada-led amendment to the draft resolution, 88 voted in favour of the amendment, 55 voted against the amendment and 23 abstained from voting. The nations that voted in favour of the amendment included India, Australia, US, UK, Austria and Ukraine.
Meanwhile, expressing deep concerns over the deteriorating security situation and the astounding loss of civilian lives in the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas, India at the UN urged both parties to “de-escalate, eschew violence.”
India’s Deputy Permanent Representative to the United Nations Yojna Patel on Friday (local time) in her remarks at the United Nations General Assembly Emergency Special Session on the Israel-Hamas war said, “India is deeply concerned at the deteriorating security situation and the astounding loss of civilian lives in the ongoing conflict. The escalation of hostilities in the region will only exacerbate the humanitarian crisis. It is necessary for all parties to display the utmost responsibility.”
She noted that India has always supported a “negotiated two-state solution to the Israel-Palestine.” Patel said that India urges the parties to de-escalate, eschew violence and work towards creating conditions for an early resumption of direct peace negotiations.
“India has always supported a negotiated two-state solution to the Israel-Palestine issue leading to the establishment of a sovereign, independent and viable state of Palestine living within secure and recognized borders side by side in peace with Israel. For this, we urge the parties to de-escalate, eschew violence and work towards creating conditions for an early resumption of direct peace negotiations,” Yojna Patel said.
“We hope that the deliberations of this assembly will send a clear message against terror and violence and expand prospects for diplomacy and dialogue while addressing the humanitarian crisis that confronts us,” she added.
Patel also called the Hamas’s attacks on Israel on October 7 “shocking” and stressed that they deserve condemnation. She said that India calls for immediate and unconditional release of hostages.
“The terror attacks in Israel on 7th October were shocking and deserve condemnation. Our thoughts are also with those taken hostages. We call for their immediate and unconditional release. Terrorism is a malignancy and knows no borders, nationality or race. The world should not buy into any justification of terror acts. Let us keep aside differences, unite and adopt a zero-tolerance approach to terrorism,” Yojna Patel said.
Calling the casualties in Gaza a “telling, serious and continuing concern,” Yojna Patel said that the humanitarian crisis needs to be addressed. She stated that India welcomes the international community’s de-escalation efforts and delivery of humanitarian assistance to the people of Gaza.
Patel said, “Casualties in the ongoing conflict in Gaza are a telling, serious and continuing concern. Civilians, especially women and children, are paying with their lives. This humanitarian crisis needs to be addressed. We welcome the international community’s de-escalation efforts and delivery of humanitarian assistance to the people of Gaza. India, too, has contributed to this effort.”
Emphasising that differences and disputes should be resolved through dialogue, Patel said, “In a world where differences and disputes should be resolved by dialogue, this august body should be deeply concerned at recourse to violence. That too, when it happens on a scale and intensity that is an affront to basic human values. Violence as a means to achieve political objectives damages indiscriminately and does not pave the way for any durable solutions.”
The adoption of the Jordanian resolution is the first formal response of the United Nations to the escalation of violence in Israel and Palestine since the Hamas attacks of 7 October.
The voting at UNGA comes at a time when Israel has announced expanding ground operations in Gaza. (ANI)
President Francis stated the importance of unity & solidarity in these challenging times …reports Asian Lite News
United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) President, Dennis Francis on Wednesday appreciated India’s G20 presidency this year and said that India under its leadership has reminded the countries of their responsibility to save the world.
“India’s recent G-20 presidency centred around the theme of Vasudeva Kutumbhakam, marked a historic Milestone and echoed the message of one earth, one family, one future. It was under this theme that India has reminded us of the one very singular world that we call home and of our responsibility nay of the necessity to protect it,” he said.
While speaking at the ‘International Conference on Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’ in UN headquarters,. UNGA President Francis also condemned the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas which claimed hundreds of civilian lives and left thousands wounded.
President Francis added, “I have spoken clearly in condemning the escalation of violence in the Middle East and the associated alarming deaths of innocent civilians on both sides. Clearly, the deteriorating security situation runs contrary in any shape or form to the concept of One World. One Family and indeed to the cherished principles of unity and solidarity.”
He said further, “Around the world people are suffering and increasingly wary of conflict strife and vulnerability from the impacts of conflict to the climate emergency from pandemics to supply chain disruptions. Our era is becoming more volatile by the hour, and as always it is the weak and the vulnerable who are most impacted.”
President Francis stated the importance of unity & solidarity in these challenging times and highlighted that this theme of “One World, One Family” resonates with the need for global support.
He added, “It is in times like these of great alarm and distress that we often find it within ourselves to come together, whether out of the need for solidarity or for solace or both. It is entirely human to seek out community of support. I therefore deeply appreciate the leadership of India in reminding us of this important truth.” (ANI)
New York, Sep 26 (ANI): External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar addresses the United Nations General Assembly, in New York on Tuesday. (ANI Photo)
EAM Dr S. Jaishankar said there is a thrust on the promotion of a rules-based order and respect for the UN Charter is also invoked and that rules will work only when they apply equally to all.
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Tuesday said that “political convenience” should not be countenanced in determining responses to terrorism and extremism in an apparent reference to Canada amid a diplomatic standoff between the two countries.
Addresing the United Nations General Assembly, Jaishankar also said that respect for territorial integrity and non-interference in internal affairs cannot be exercises in cherry picking.
He said there is a thrust on the promotion of a rules-based order and respect for the UN Charter is also invoked and that rules will work only when they apply equally to all.
“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. And for a start, that means ensuring that rule-makers do not subjugate rule-takers. After all, rules will work only when they apply equally to all,” he said.
He referred to “vaccine apartheid” and also said that climate action too cannot continue to witness an evasion of historical responsibilities.
“The power of markets should not be utilized to steer food and energy from the needy to the wealthy. Nor must we countenance that political convenience determines responses to terrorism, extremism and violence,” the minister said.
“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,” he added.
The relations between India and Canada have plummeted over the activities of Khalistani activists including their threats to India’s High Commission and Consulates in Canada.
There has been diplomatic tit-for-tat following Canada’s decision to expel an Indian diplomat. India said last week that no information has been shared by Canada regarding the killing of a Khalistani terrorist following allegations by Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.
Answering queries during a press conference last week, Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Arindam Bagchi said that if there is any country that needs to look at reputational damage, it is Canada.
“I think it is Canada and its growing reputation as a safe haven for terrorists, for extremists, and for organized crime. And I think that’s a country that needs to worry about its international reputation,” Bagchi had said.
The spokesperson said terrorism is being funded and supported.
“We know this for some time, from our western neighbour Pakistan. But the issue of safe havens and places to operate is being provided abroad, including in Canada… The question is, do we have the political will to address terrorism? Or we want to justify it and condone it,” Bagchi had said.
In his remarks at the UNGA, Jaishankar said the United Nations will be hosting the Summit of the Future next year.
“This should serve as a serious opportunity to drive change, champion fairness and reform multilateralism, including the expansion of the Security Council memberships. We must address global challenges imbued with the conviction that we are one earth and one family, with one future,” he said.
Jaishankar said India has entered the Amrit Kaal, a quarter century “where greater progress and transformation awaits us”.
“We are confident that our talent and creativity, now so visibly unleashed, will power us forward. The world saw a glimpse of what is to come when our Chandrayaan-3 landed on the moon.
“Today, our message to the world is in digitally enabled governance and delivery, in the widening ambit of amenities and services, in rapidly growing infrastructure, and in our energetic Startup culture. It is visible too in vibrant cultural expressions, such as in the arts, yoga, wellness, and lifestyle. Our latest assertion is in a pathbreaking legislation to reserve one-third of the seats for women in our legislatures,” he said.
Jaishankar said he represents a society where ancient traditions of democracy have struck deep modern roots.
“As a result, our thinking, approaches and actions are now more grounded and authentic. As a civilizational polity that embraces modernity, we bring both tradition and technology equally confidently to the table. It is this fusion that today defines India, that is Bharat,” he said. (ANI)
(180710) -- RIGA, July 10, 2018 (Xinhua) -- Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau speaks during a joint press conference with Latvian Prime Minister Maris Kucinskis (not seen in picture) in Riga, Latvia, on July 10, 2018. Trudeau pledged sustained commitment to Latvia's security during his visit to Riga on Tuesday, saying that Canada would extend its leadership of the NATO battalion stationed in the Baltic country for four more years. (Xinhua/Janis)
Trudeau faced the stark reality of standing alone on the world stage, pitted against India, a nation with a population 35 times larger than Canada and a rapidly growing economy….writes Jasneet Bedi
In the hustle and bustle of New York’s United Nations General Assembly, where world leaders converge to discuss the globe’s most pressing issues, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau found himself standing alone, his once-dazzling smile now fading amidst the mounting pressures of international diplomacy.
The spotlight had firmly fixed on Trudeau due to a startling allegation he made earlier in the week, one that sent shockwaves across diplomatic circles and raised eyebrows around the world. Trudeau claimed there was credible evidence suggesting the Indian government’s involvement in the extrajudicial killing of a Canadian citizen on Canadian soil. The victim? A Sikh activist, whom India had accused of terrorism.
Delhi vehemently denied any wrongdoing, further complicating an already strained relationship between the two nations.
As reporters pressed Trudeau for answers, he carefully navigated the diplomatic minefield, stating, “We’re not looking to provoke or cause problems. We’re standing up for the rules-based order.” However, one persistent journalist asked the question on everyone’s mind, “Where are Canada’s allies in this hour of need?”
The uncomfortable truth for Trudeau was that, at least in the public eye, he stood virtually alone on the world stage, facing off against India, a nation with a population 35 times greater than Canada’s and one of the fastest-growing economies in the world.
unjab police seeks extradition of Canada-based Khalistani Hardeep Nijjar.(photo:IN)
While his Five Eyes intelligence alliance partners, including the UK and Australia, expressed concern over the allegations, their support appeared tepid at best, with statements lacking the fervor Trudeau had hoped for. Even Canada’s closest neighbor, the United States, remained conspicuously silent, causing observers to question the depth of their alliance.
President Joe Biden’s praise for India’s contributions to the global economy during his UN speech only fueled further speculation about the US’s stance. National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan attempted to downplay any rift, stating that Canada was being closely consulted, but the broader message was clear: Canada’s interests appeared dwarfed by India’s strategic importance in the eyes of its allies.
Xavier Delgado, a researcher at the Wilson Center’s Canada Institute, noted, “The United States, the UK, and all these Western and Indo-Pacific allies have built a strategy that largely focuses on India, to be a bulwark and counterweight to China. That’s something they can’t afford to toss out the window.”
The Canadian network CTV reported that the Five Eyes partners had shared intelligence on the matter, but when questioned about whether these allies had rebuffed Canada’s appeal for public condemnation of the murder, US Ambassador to Canada David Cohen remained tight-lipped.
These events spotlighted Canada’s current shortcomings on the global stage. While a dependable Western ally, Canada lacks the “hard power” to influence international affairs decisively. Christopher Sands, director of the Canada Institute, described the situation as a “moment of weakness” for Canada.
Despite these challenges, few questioned Trudeau’s decision to disclose the allegations publicly, given the gravity of the situation. However, the harsh geopolitical realities meant Trudeau faced days of isolation as tensions with India escalated. Diplomatic expulsions, travel advisories, and the suspension of visa services for Canadians traveling to India only added to the Prime Minister’s woes.
Trudeau’s challenging week unfolded against the backdrop of a difficult summer, marked by issues such as inflation, alleged Chinese interference in Canadian elections, and a controversial prison transfer. As a result, his approval ratings plummeted to a three-year low, with 63% of Canadians expressing disapproval.
Campbell Clark, chief political writer for the Globe and Mail, noted that Trudeau’s once-soaring popularity has waned over eight years in office. Yet, some experts speculate that this international standoff with India may provide Trudeau with a much-needed respite from domestic troubles, offering him a chance to regain his footing.
As Trudeau navigates these treacherous waters, the world watches to see whether he can muster the diplomatic finesse and resilience to reassert Canada’s presence on the global stage and, in the process, resurrect his own political fortunes at home.
