Days Of Few Nations Setting Agenda, Expecting Others To Fall In Line Are Over: Jaishankar At UNGA

External Affairs Minister, S. Jaishankar during the United Nations General Assembly session on Tuesday emphasized that a nation's response to terrorism or extremism should not be guided by "political convenience." He also said the importance of respecting territorial integrity and advocated for refraining from interference in the internal affairs of sovereign nations.

Jaishankar began his speech by saying "Namaste from Bharat" and went on to emphasise India's commitment to fostering cooperation with a diverse array of partners and advocated for a more equitable global order, expressing the need for a more inclusive and democratic world order.

These statements were made against the backdrop of a significant diplomatic dispute with Canada, which alleged the involvement of "agents of Delhi" in the assassination of Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar in June. Nijjar, who faced terrorism charges in India, held Canadian citizenship.

Jaishankar ended UN Speech by saying, "We bring both tradition and technology equally confidently to the table. It is this fusion that today defines India, that is Bharat."

Here are the top quotes from Jaishankar's address to the UN session:

• "We must never again allow an injustice like vaccine apartheid to recur. Climate Action too cannot continue to witness an evasion of historical responsibilities. The power of markets should not be utilised to steer food and energy from the needy to the wealthy. Nor must we countenance that political convenience determines responses to terrorism, extremism and violence. Similarly, respect for territorial integrity and non-interference in internal affairs cannot be exercises in cherry-picking. When reality departs from rhetoric, we must have the courage to call it out..."
• "...India also seeks to promote cooperation with diverse partners. From the era of non-alignment, we have now evolved to that of 'Vishwa Mitra - a friend to the world'. This is reflected in our ability & willingness to engage with a broad range of nations and where necessary harmonise interests. It is visible in the rapid growth of the QUAD; it is equally apparent in the expansion of the BRICS grouping or emergence of I2U2.."
• EAM Dr S Jaishankar speaks on the Women's Reservation Bill at the United Nations General Assembly in New York. "...Our latest assertion is in path-breaking legislation to reserve one-third of the seats for women in legislatures. I speak for a society where ancient traditions of democracy have struck deep modern roots. As a result, our thinking, approaches and actions are more grounded and authentic..."
• "In our deliberations, we often advocate the promotion of a rules-based order. From time to time, respect for the UN Charter is also involved. But for all the talk, it is still a few nations who shape the agenda and seek to define the norms. This can't go on indefinitely nor will it go unchallenged. A fair, equitable and democratic order will surely emerge once we all put our minds to it. And for a start, that means ensuring that rule-makers do not subjugate rule-takers..."
• Recognising that growth and development must focus on the most vulnerable, we began presidency by convening the Voice of the Global South Summit. This enabled us to hear directly from 125 nations and place their concerns on the G20 Agenda. As a consequence, issues which deserve global attention got a fair hearing. More than that, the deliberations produced outcomes that have great significance for the international community. It was also noteworthy that at India's initiative, the African Union as a permanent member of the G20. By doing so, we gave voice to an entire continent which has long been its due. This significant step in reform should inspire the United Nations, a much older organisation, to also make the Security Council contemporary.
• On Chandrayaan-3 mission at the United Nations General Assembly in New York, Jaishankar said,"India has entered the 'Amrit Kaal'...The world saw a glimpse of what is to come when our Chandrayaan-3 landed on the Moon. Today, our message to the world is in digitally enabled governance and delivery in the widening ambit of amenities and services and rapidly growing infra and in our energetic start-up structure.."