External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar has called for diplomacy over military action to address global conflicts and challenges while attending the G20 Foreign Ministers’ Meeting in Atlanta, United States. Speaking at the first plenary session on October 30, he said military solutions would not work and that diplomacy must be given a chance.
His remarks came amid ongoing conflicts, including the Russia-Ukraine war and tensions in West Asia. Jaishankar also highlighted the impact of attacks on civilian shipping and seafarers, stressing the need to protect freedom of navigation and ensure the safety of maritime routes in accordance with international law, particularly the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).
Global South Faces Supply Chain Impact
Jaishankar said countries in the Global South were disproportionately bearing the consequences of attacks on civilian shipping. These disruptions are affecting the availability and cost of essential commodities such as fuel, food and fertilisers.
He also raised concerns about market flooding, the weaponisation of supply chains and restrictions on market access. He called for resilient and alternative connectivity as countries seek to diversify their supply chains.
On terrorism, Jaishankar cautioned that tactical calculations should not lead countries to overlook its dangers.
Quad Meeting and Bilateral Engagements
On the sidelines of the G20 meeting, Jaishankar is participating in a Quad Foreign Ministers’ Meeting with counterparts from the United States, Japan and Australia. Discussions are expected to cover maritime security, supply chains and technology cooperation.
He is also holding bilateral meetings with several foreign ministers. His engagements include talks with counterparts from Canada, Germany, Brazil, Argentina, Mexico, Poland and South Korea, covering areas such as trade, defence, energy, critical minerals and technology.
His meeting with Canadian Foreign Minister Anita Anand focused on the steady growth of bilateral cooperation, while discussions with Argentina’s Pablo Quirno covered trade, critical minerals, defence and nuclear cooperation.
The G20 Foreign Ministers’ Meeting is hosted by US Secretary of State Marco Rubio. The United States is scheduled to host the G20 Leaders’ Summit in Miami on December 14 and 15.
After his engagements in Atlanta, Jaishankar is scheduled to travel to Antigua and Barbuda for the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting from November 1 to 4.
