'We cannot remain helpless spectators': Jaishankar presses for 'dialogue and diplomacy' amid wars in West Asia, Ukraine

Speaking in Delhi on the occasion of UN Day, Jaishankar reiterated India's position that dialogue and diplomacy remain the only way to resolve conflicts. External affairs minister S Jaishankar on Sunday said that a "war anywhere is threat to peace everywhere", raising concerns over the ongoing conflicts in Ukraine and West Asia and their far-reaching impact on people and economies across the world.External affairs minister S Jaishankar calls for dialogue amid Ukraine, West Asia conflicts (PTI)Speaking at the Chinmaya Amrit Mahotsav Global Sammelan in Delhi on the occasion of UN Day, Jaishankar reiterated India's position that dialogue and diplomacy remain the only way to resolve conflicts, as he referred to Russia's invasion of Ukraine and the conflict involving the United States, Israel and Iran in West Asia.“There are today two major conflicts going on in the world: in Ukraine and in West Asia or the Middle East. Societies and economies, peoples far away, who have little say in the matter, are actually paying the cost,” the minister said.Stressing that the international community could not afford to remain a silent spectator, Jaishankar said India was making its own efforts towards resolving the conflicts and was willing to work with other countries to restore peace.“We cannot remain helpless spectators. India expresses global sentiment when we urge that dialogue and diplomacy are the only solution. We are making efforts ourselves and are open to working with other partners to that end,” he added.‘Terrorism can never be justified’The external affairs minister also flagged terrorism as another major threat to global peace, saying its use as an “instrument of statecraft” was "simply unacceptable" and could neither be justified nor rationalised."Terrorism is another deadly threat to peace," he said, adding that the threat continued because not all countries displayed zero tolerance towards it."Despite history holding so many lessons, some still allow political calculations to take precedence," Jaishankar said, calling for greater global awareness and stronger collective action to counter terrorism in all its forms.Linking global peace to economic development, Jaishankar said progress and prosperity were equally interconnected, particularly in a world dependent on global supply chains, markets and shared resources.“Progress and prosperity are the flip side of conflict and violence,” the minister added."The world cannot advance half prosperous and half denied in an era of intricate supply chains, of globalized markets, and of common resources. This is simply a prescription for continuous instability," he added.Follow the latest breaking news, major developments and agenda-setting stories from India and around the world with the newsdesk at Hindustan Times. Operating round the clock, the desk brings together experienced editors, reporters and correspondents to deliver fast, accurate and contextual reporting across subjects that influence public policy, governance, business, society and international affairs. The HT News Desk covers politics, elections, government policies, the economy, business and markets, science and technology, the environment, law and order, infrastructure, education, climate issues and geopolitics, while closely tracking developments across states, institutions and global capitals. The team also leads coverage of major breaking news events, policy announcements, court proceedings, natural disasters, public emergencies and significant international developments. Reports published by the newsdesk are based on information gathered from reporters on the ground, official statements, government agencies, court records, regulatory filings, recognised institutions and other authoritative sources. Stories undergo editorial scrutiny and verification processes to ensure accuracy, fairness and relevance, and are updated as events evolve and additional information becomes available. Whether covering a key political decision in New Delhi, an economic policy shift affecting millions, a landmark court ruling or a major global event, the HT News Desk aims to provide readers with reliable, fact-based journalism that delivers not only the latest developments but also the context and analysis needed to understand their wider implications.Read MoreGet Latest News, breaking headlines, and top India News, and today real-time updates from across the nation. Stay informed on politics, government policies, crime, Today Weather, and major developments on Hindustan Times