S Jaishankar @ UNGA

S JAISHANKAR @ UNGA

Dr. S. Jaishankar, India’s External Affairs Minister, addressed the 79th UN General Assembly (UNGA), emphasizing pressing global challenges and India’s proactive role in addressing them.

His statement centered around the UNGA’s theme, “Leaving no one behind,” highlighting the importance of inclusivity in global development efforts.

KEY HIGHLIGHTS

Current Global Challenges

Jaishankar began his address by acknowledging the challenges facing the world:

• Ongoing Effects of the COVID-19 Pandemic: The pandemic has left lasting impacts on global health, economies, and social structures. Recovery has been slow, particularly in vulnerable regions.
• Geopolitical Conflicts:
  • War in Ukraine: This conflict continues to escalate, now entering its third year, leading to severe humanitarian crises and affecting global stability.
  • Gaza Conflict: Tensions in Gaza have implications that extend beyond the region, complicating diplomatic relations and exacerbating humanitarian needs.
• Developmental Setbacks: Many countries in the Global South are struggling to achieve Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), facing significant disruptions in their development plans.
• Economic Threats: Unfair trade practices are jeopardizing jobs and economic stability. Additionally, projects lacking viability contribute to unsustainable debt levels.
• Technological Advancements and Climate Change: While technology has the potential to drive progress, it also introduces anxiety and ethical concerns. The increasing frequency and severity of climate events further threaten food and health security.
• Polarization and Fractured Dialogue: The global landscape is marked by division, making it challenging to reach consensus on critical issues. Jaishankar expressed disappointment over the erosion of trust among nations, emphasizing that this breakdown hinders effective international cooperation.

Historical Reflection

• Jaishankar reflected on the origins of the UN, noting that the initial discussions on its formation occurred nearly eighty years ago at venues like Dumbarton Oaks and were further refined at the Yalta Conference.
• The founders aimed to create a framework for maintaining peace, which is now threatened by ongoing conflicts and geopolitical rivalries.

Imperative for Reform

The Minister stressed the urgent need to reform multilateral systems.

• He argued that the UN, in its current state, is ill-equipped to deal with contemporary challenges.
• The theme of “Leaving no one behind” shows the necessity of advancing peace, sustainable development, and human dignity.
• Jaishankar pointed out that achieving these goals is impossible for a UN that is paralyzed by divisions and conflicts.
• He emphasized that the erosion of trust and a sense of responsibility among nations have exacerbated global issues, leading to a scenario where many countries are left behind.

INDIA’S CONTRIBUTIONS

Focus on Vulnerable Populations

India has taken significant strides to support marginalized groups:

• Access to Basic Needs: The government has made considerable progress in ensuring access to essential services like piped water, electricity, and cooking gas. These initiatives have transformed millions of lives across the country.
• Gender Equality: Efforts to close the gender gap in health, education, and employment are ongoing. For instance, women now have improved access to financial resources and opportunities.
• Financial Support for Farmers: India provides financial assistance to farmers, with payments delivered seamlessly through digital platforms. This support enhances agricultural productivity and food security.
• Youth Empowerment: The current administration prioritizes youth skilling, recognizing the potential of the younger generation to drive economic growth.

Employment and Entrepreneurship Opportunities

Jaishankar highlighted India’s initiatives aimed at boosting employment and entrepreneurship:

• Mudra Loans: Over 495 million Mudra loans have been provided to small businesses in the last decade, with 67% of these loans benefiting women. This financial support empowers entrepreneurs to grow their ventures.
• Svanidhi Scheme: Approximately 6.56 million street vendors have received 8.85 million Svanidhi loans in the past four years, with 45% of recipients being women. This program exemplifies India’s commitment to uplifting marginalized sections of society.

Development Templates for Global Replication

India is creating successful models that can be replicated in other nations:

• Digital Public Infrastructure: India’s digital framework is designed to enhance service delivery and governance. This includes a people’s pharmacy initiative aimed at making medicines accessible and affordable.
• Efficient Public Service Delivery: The use of technology to streamline the delivery of benefits demonstrates India’s innovative approach to governance.

Advocacy for the Global South

India has played a proactive role in amplifying the voices of Global South countries:

• Global South Summits: India has convened three summits, the latest in August 2024, aimed at fostering collaboration and addressing shared challenges among developing nations.
• Collective Action: These summits serve as platforms for countries to unite in their concerns, share experiences, and develop coordinated responses to common issues.

Contribution to Global Commons

India’s commitment to global welfare is demonstrated through various initiatives:

• Humanitarian Assistance and Development Projects: India has undertaken projects in 78 countries, providing resources and responding to humanitarian needs. This includes medical supplies and assistance in disaster recovery.
• Maritime Safety and Security: India’s efforts extend to ensuring maritime security, particularly in regions vulnerable to piracy and illegal activities.

Promoting Optimism Through Digital Transformation

Jaishankar emphasized the transformative potential of digital technology as a key driver of change:

• Efficiency in Public Services: The digitization of public services has enabled India to deliver benefits at scale, significantly improving transparency and reducing corruption. This efficiency is evident in various sectors, including nutrition support, housing, and health services.
• Empowerment through Fintech: The use of fintech solutions has empowered individuals, including street vendors and the workforce, to conduct transactions confidently, enhancing their economic participation.
• Potential for Change: Jaishankar highlighted that India’s experiences demonstrate that significant change is possible within a relatively short timeframe, driven by technological innovation and inclusive policies.

Economic Perspectives on Globalization

S. Jaishankar critiqued the current model of globalization:

• Concentration of Production: He pointed out that the over-concentration of production has weakened many economies, leading to job losses and social instability.
• Democratizing Global Production: The need for a more equitable distribution of production resources was emphasized, advocating for resilient supply chains and trusted digital services to foster widespread prosperity.

Interlinking Peace and Development

S.Jaishankar reaffirmed the connection between peace and development:

• Addressing Conflicts: He called for urgent solutions to ongoing conflicts, particularly in Ukraine and Gaza, noting that the international community must acknowledge and respond to these challenges.
• Economic and Social Stability: The statement highlighted that the implications of conflict extend beyond immediate violence, affecting broader economic and social stability in the region.

Stance on Terrorism

Dr. Jaishankar made a strong condemnation of terrorism:

• Global Commitment Against Terrorism: He emphasized that all forms of terrorism must be opposed and that the UN should act decisively against terrorists without succumbing to political pressures.
• Addressing Pakistan’s Role: He specifically criticized Pakistan for its promotion of terrorism, asserting that such actions not only destabilize the region but also have dire consequences for Pakistan itself.

He stated that Pakistan’s policies have led to its own societal issues, branding them as a form of “karma.”

ON CHINA & PAKISTAN

Pakistan and Jammu & Kashmir:

• Pakistan asserted that Jammu and Kashmir is a disputed territory.
• The Minister strongly rejected this, calling the claim “bizarre.”
• He stressed that the only issue left between India and Pakistan is for Pakistan to vacate illegally occupied Indian territory.
• He also emphasized Pakistan’s long-standing support for terrorism and its consequences.

China and Terrorism Sanctions:

• The Minister indirectly referred to China regarding the sanctioning of terrorists at the UN.
• He criticized political reasons for blocking sanctions, pointing towards China’s history of impeding sanctions on terrorists targeting India.

China and Unfair Economic Practices:

• The Minister spoke against unfair trade and infrastructure projects that harm sovereignty and increase debt, which seems to reference China.
• He emphasized that connectivity projects must respect sovereignty and territorial integrity, a likely criticism of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).
• India opposes the CPEC because it passes through Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, which India considers its territory.

ON UN REFORM ADVOCACY

S.Jaishankar concluded his address by advocating for necessary reforms within the UN:

• Need for Representation: He called for a UN that reflects the current global realities, emphasizing that it must be more representative and efficient to tackle contemporary challenges effectively.
• Global Cooperation: He urged member states to unite in their efforts to create a better world, stressing that through collaboration, sharing of experiences, and pooling resources, collective challenges can be addressed effectively.

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