Atlanta (Rajeev Sharma): External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar has called on the international community to rely on diplomatic engagement rather than military force to settle global disputes. He also warned that attacks on commercial vessels and disruptions to maritime trade were creating serious economic challenges, particularly for countries in the Global South.
Jaishankar made the remarks while addressing the opening plenary of the G20 Foreign Ministers’ Meeting in Atlanta on Friday. He emphasised that commercial shipping must remain protected and that freedom of navigation should be respected under international law, including the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).
The minister cautioned that insecurity along important sea routes was affecting the supply of everyday necessities. Disruptions to maritime movement, he said, were contributing to higher costs and threatening the availability of fuel, food and fertilisers.
He noted that developing economies were facing a heavier economic impact from these disruptions.
India-Liberia Initiative For Seafarers’ Safety
Raising the issue of crew safety, Jaishankar referred to a joint initiative launched by India and Liberia to protect seafarers.
The concern comes amid continued attacks on merchant vessels in West Asia, with the Strait of Hormuz emerging as a particularly sensitive area for maritime movement. Incidents in the region have also raised concerns about Indian nationals working aboard commercial ships.
Jaishankar’s remarks underlined the need for greater international cooperation to ensure that civilian vessels and the people working on them are not exposed to attacks.
Jaishankar Says Supply Chains Should Not Become Instruments Of Pressure
The minister also drew attention to the economic difficulties faced by developing countries seeking to expand their industrial sectors.
He pointed to practices such as flooding markets, restricting access to markets, distorting trade and using supply chains as tools of pressure. According to Jaishankar, these challenges were affecting the ability of developing economies to pursue industrial growth.
In a post on X outlining his remarks, he called for an end to such practices. He further advocated the development of alternative connectivity routes and more resilient supply networks so that countries could diversify their trade links and limit economic vulnerabilities.
Terrorism Cannot Be Overlooked For Short-Term Strategic Gains
Jaishankar also cautioned against treating terrorism as a secondary concern while making short-term strategic calculations.
He said governments should not underestimate the risks associated with terrorism, adding that those who engage in such activities could eventually face their consequences.
On international conflicts more broadly, the minister reiterated that military solutions were not enough to address complex global challenges. He argued that diplomatic channels must be allowed to play their role in resolving disputes.
G20 Foreign Ministers’ Meeting Hosted By Marco Rubio
The two-day meeting in Atlanta is being hosted by US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and brings together foreign ministers and senior officials from G20 member countries.
Discussions are taking place against a backdrop of disagreements over international conflicts, trade and security. Jaishankar’s address highlighted India’s concerns over maritime safety, the economic consequences of disrupted shipping routes, supply-chain vulnerabilities and the continuing threat of terrorism.
