Kazan/New Delhi, Oct 24 (Agency) External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Thursday, addressing the BRICS Outreach Session at Kazan, Russia, said the situation in the Middle East is of concern and there is widespread anxiety that the conflict would spread further in the region. Representing PM Modi, the EAM said that maritime trade has also been deeply affected due to the conflict. “The human and material consequences of further escalation are truly serious. Any approach has to be fair and durable, leading to a two state solution,” he added.
“Addressing conflicts and tensions effectively is a particular need of the day. Prime Minister Modi has emphasized that this is not an era of war. Disputes and differences must be settled by dialogue and diplomacy. Agreements, once reached, must be scrupulously respected. International law should be adhered to, without exception. And there should be zero tolerance for terrorism.” The EAM outlined five points to ensure that the benefits of change reach those who are currently left behind and create a more equitable global order. “First, by strengthening and expanding platforms of an independent nature. And by widening the choices in different domains and minimizing undue reliance on those that can be leveraged. This is really where BRICS can make a difference for the Global South. “Second, by reforming established institutions and mechanisms, especially the UN Security Council in the permanent and the non-permanent categories. So too the multilateral development banks.
“Third, by democratizing the global economy through creating more production hubs. The Covid experience is a sharp reminder of the need for more resilient, redundant and shorter supply chains. “Fourth, by correcting distortions in global infrastructure that are a legacy from the colonial era. The world urgently needs more connectivity options that enhance logistics and mitigate risks. “And fifth, by sharing experiences and new initiatives. India’s Digital Public Infrastructure, its Unified Payments Interface and the Gati Shakti infrastructure, all hold a larger relevance.” The BRICS meeting and our outreach session is a message that the world is prepared to think afresh on longstanding challenges, he said.