Daijiworld Media Network – New Delhi
New Delhi, May 14: External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Thursday criticised the increasing use of unilateral sanctions and coercive economic measures, saying such actions violate international law and disproportionately impact developing countries.
Speaking at the BRICS Foreign Ministers’ Meeting in New Delhi, Jaishankar said the global system is under strain due to multiple crises, including armed conflicts, climate disruptions and the lingering effects of the Covid-19 pandemic.
Without naming countries directly, his remarks came in the backdrop of sweeping US tariffs on Indian imports and broader trade tensions involving major global economies.
Jaishankar said the growing reliance on unilateral measures undermines dialogue and diplomacy and cannot be seen as a substitute for negotiated solutions.
He noted that such developments are not isolated but interconnected challenges that are placing additional pressure on multilateral institutions and increasing vulnerabilities for emerging economies.
The BRICS meeting, held under India’s chairmanship for 2026, also comes amid divisions within the expanded grouping over ongoing conflicts in West Asia, with diplomats indicating difficulties in reaching a consensus joint statement.
Foreign ministers from member countries, including Iran and the UAE, attended the two-day meeting in the national capital.
Jaishankar stressed that peace and security remain central to the global order, adding that recent conflicts have highlighted the importance of sustained diplomatic engagement.
He said emerging economies increasingly view BRICS as a platform that can provide stability amid global uncertainty.
The minister also highlighted the wider impact of regional conflicts on energy supplies, food and fertiliser security, and global supply chains, warning that these disruptions are particularly severe for developing economies.
Referring to West Asia, Jaishankar underlined the importance of maritime security and the uninterrupted movement of trade through key waterways such as the Strait of Hormuz and the Red Sea.
He also expressed concern over the humanitarian situation in Gaza and reiterated India’s support for a two-state solution, calling for a sustained ceasefire, unrestricted humanitarian aid and a credible peace process.
Jaishankar further pointed to instability in countries including Lebanon, Syria, Sudan, Yemen and Libya, saying peace efforts must be continuous and inclusive.
On terrorism, he asserted that there can be no justification for cross-border terrorism in any form, describing it as a violation of international norms and calling for a zero-tolerance approach.
He also renewed India’s push for reforms in global governance, particularly the United Nations Security Council, stating that current institutions must adapt to reflect present-day geopolitical realities.
Jaishankar concluded that cooperation, dialogue and institutional reform are essential to building a more equitable and stable international order.