S. Jaishankar's Remarks on Coercion and Multilateralism

At the first G20 Foreign Ministers’ Meeting in Johannesburg, Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar emphasized the need to prevent coercion in international relations and advocated for a more inclusive global agenda. He stated that global decision-making should not be restricted to the interests of a select few, highlighting the importance of plurilateralism.

Jaishankar also noted that multilateral institutions, including the United Nations and its Security Council, face significant challenges, often remaining gridlocked. He underscored the necessity of addressing these structural issues to ensure more effective global governance.

S. Jaishankar's Call for Adherence to Agreements and Plurilateralism

Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar emphasized the importance of honoring international agreements and ensuring that coercion has no place in global affairs. "Agreements entered into must be observed, and there must be no room for coercion," he stated.

Addressing the need for United Nations Security Council (UNSC) reforms, Jaishankar asserted that simply reviving its functions is insufficient. "Just getting the UNSC back to work is not enough; its working methods and representation must change. More plurilateralism is required to plug global deficits. International cooperation itself must be less opaque or unilateral. And the global agenda cannot be narrowed down to the interests of a few," he added.

His remarks followed China’s participation in Pakistan’s multinational AMAN-2025 naval exercise, which included Indonesia, Italy, Japan, Malaysia, the United States, and observers from 32 other countries.

China's Naval Expansion and India's Maritime Security Concerns

China’s participation in the AMAN-2025 naval exercise aligned with its broader naval expansion in the Indian Ocean. Beijing stated that its involvement focused on anti-piracy operations and maritime security, aiming to protect key sea lanes and overseas interests.

The exercise coincided with India’s TROPEX drill, a large-scale Indian Navy operation designed to assess combat readiness. India remains cautious of China’s "String of Pearls" strategy, which involves establishing military bases and alliances across the region.

In January, China reportedly deployed two research vessels to the Indian Ocean, raising further concerns in New Delhi.

External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar reiterated India’s commitment to maritime security, particularly in the Arabian Sea and the Gulf of Aden, where the Indian Navy has played a significant role. "Ensuring maritime security in and around this region is also essential. Indian naval forces have contributed to that in the Arabian Sea and Gulf of Aden. Restoring normal maritime commerce remains a priority," he stated.

During the discussions, Jaishankar also addressed key global and regional issues, including the Gaza conflict, the exchange of hostages, and recent developments in the Russia-Ukraine war.

Jaishankar on Global Conflicts and Diplomacy

External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar welcomed the Gaza ceasefire and hostage release while reaffirming India’s support for humanitarian assistance, condemnation of terrorism, and advocacy for a two-state solution. He emphasized the importance of maintaining the ceasefire in Lebanon and ensuring an inclusive, Syrian-led resolution to the conflict. "Peace and stability in the region is vital for the entire world," he stated.

On the Ukraine conflict, Jaishankar reiterated India's longstanding position of promoting dialogue and diplomacy. "Today, the world expects that parties concerned deal with each other to end the war," he added.

Meanwhile, U.S. President Donald Trump is reportedly pursuing a peace deal with Russia, a move that could significantly impact the ongoing war in Ukraine. However, European leaders and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky have reportedly been excluded from discussions, raising concerns about the nature of the proposed agreement.

Jaishankar highlighted the role of diplomacy and multilateral forums such as the G20 in fostering collaboration. "Geo-politics is a reality, as is national interest. But the very purpose of diplomacy—and a group like G20—is to find common ground and create the basis for collaboration," he noted. He further stressed the importance of adhering to international law, respecting the UN Charter, and preserving institutions.

"Differences must not become disputes, disputes should not become conflicts, and conflicts should not lead to a bigger breakdown. There are lessons from the last few years for all of us to reflect on, but equally, an experience to draw upon as we seek to lead the world to a better place," Jaishankar concluded.

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