Minister for External Affairs S Jaishankar said there was a clear and urgent need for a new multilateral system that reflected contemporary global reality as the “Stark deficiency” of the existing structures has been “exposed” in the past few years.
In a virtual speech at the 58th session of the UN Human Rights Commission in Geneva, he also asserted that India will always advocate “zero tolerance” against terrorism and propose any efforts to normalize it.
Jashankar delves into geopolitical turmoil in various geographical locations, and the world continues to struggle with conflicts, facing emerging challenges, it is increasingly broken, uncertain and unstable.
“It is clear and urgent to need a multilateral system that reflects the reality of the contemporary global, a capability to better respond to modern challenges, which are essentially the challenge that is suitable for purpose,” he said.
“In the past few years, there has been insufficient time for existing multilateral buildings. When the world needs them the most, find out they want them.”
Jaishankar said India has been playing an active role in promoting and protecting human rights globally.
“Our approach has been focused on building capacity and strengthening human resources and infrastructure with our partners’ priorities – always adhering to the principles of fiscal responsibility, transparency and sustainability,” he said.
Jaishankar said India’s development partnership with countries around the world reflects this commitment.
“At the same time, we have been firm and uncompromising in combating terrorism. India will always advocate zero tolerance for terrorism and call for any efforts to normalize it,” he said.
“We are not only talking about Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam – the world as a family; we live in this family. Today, this view is needed more than ever before.”
He added: “In the face of emerging challenges, the world continues to struggle with conflicts and crises, facing emerging challenges, increasingly fractured, uncertain and instability.”
The Foreign Minister further stated that India is still ready to support and lead the reform efforts.
“Let me reaffirm India’s strong commitment to the global promotion and protection of human rights and ensure their full awareness of all people,” he said.
