DELHI, October 25, 2026 — India’s External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar has rejected the notion that the international community can afford to remain passive observers of the escalating crises in Ukraine and West Asia. Speaking at the Chinmaya Amrit Mahotsav Global Sammelan in Delhi to mark United Nations Day, Jaishankar argued that dialogue and diplomacy are the only viable paths to resolving these conflicts, urging collective action to prevent further destabilization of the global order.
Rejecting the Role of Spectator
The minister’s remarks come at a time when two major conflicts are simultaneously straining international security and economic stability. Jaishankar stated that a “war anywhere is threat to peace everywhere,” highlighting the interconnected nature of modern geopolitical risks. According to state and international reports, the minister emphasized that societies and economies far removed from the front lines are bearing the costs of these wars, despite having little say in the matters that drive them.
“We cannot remain helpless spectators,” Jaishankar said, articulating a position that India is actively engaged in efforts to resolve these disputes. He noted that India is making its own efforts towards peace and remains open to working with other partners to that end. This stance reflects a broader shift in Indian diplomacy, moving away from pure non-alignment toward a more assertive engagement with global security challenges. The minister stressed that the international community must not allow political calculations to override the urgent need for stability, particularly in regions where the consequences of conflict spill over into other continents.
Diplomacy as the Sole Solution
Central to Jaishankar’s address was the assertion that dialogue and diplomacy remain the only solutions to the ongoing conflicts. He referred specifically to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, which has now entered its fifth year, and the conflict involving the United States, Israel, and Iran in West Asia. The minister expressed deep concern over the continuing hostilities in the Gulf, noting that the targeting of commercial shipping and seafarers transiting international waterways is simply unacceptable.
India has called upon all parties to exercise restraint, de-escalate tensions, and ensure the protection of civilians. According to the minister, the uninterrupted flow of energy and commerce is vital for global stability. In the context of West Asia, Jaishankar reiterated India’s long-standing position that a durable and lasting peace requires a two-state solution. Meanwhile, India is contributing to humanitarian assistance and relief efforts for the Palestinian people. The minister warned that if the world is subjected to continuous threats and pressures, it is living on the edge of an abyss, where a single misstep could push the entire system into deeper crisis.
Economic Stability and Supply Chains
Jaishankar linked global peace directly to economic development, arguing that progress and prosperity are the flip side of conflict and violence. He observed that in a world dependent on intricate supply chains, globalized markets, and shared resources, the world cannot advance half prosperous and half denied. This is, he said, a prescription for continuous instability.
The minister noted that nations are increasingly focused on de-risking and diversifying their economies due to the weaponization of resources. This trend, driven by an extreme competitive mindset, is undermining institutions and establishing choke points in global trade. Resources and connectivity have become subject to strategic leverage, with finance, market access, and technology all being used as tools of statecraft. According to the minister, this environment erodes the stability, security, and predictability that are essential for peace. He warned that if these elements are undermined, peace will inevitably be weakened, affecting not only the warring parties but also those who rely on global trade for their livelihoods.
Terrorism as an Instrument of Statecraft
Beyond the specific conflicts in Ukraine and West Asia, Jaishankar flagged terrorism as another deadly threat to global peace. He described the use of terrorism as an “instrument of statecraft” as simply unacceptable, stating that it could neither be justified nor rationalized. The minister pointed out that the threat continues because not all countries display zero tolerance towards it.
“Despite history holding so many lessons, some still allow political calculations to take precedence,” Jaishankar said. He called for greater global awareness and stronger collective action to counter terrorism in all its forms. This critique aligns with India’s broader diplomatic efforts to isolate state-sponsored terrorism and hold perpetrators accountable. By linking terrorism to statecraft, Jaishankar underscored the need for a unified international response that does not shy away from naming those who support or harbor terrorist groups. This approach is consistent with India’s efforts to build a coalition of nations that share a common interest in combating extremism and maintaining regional stability.
The Architect of Assertive Diplomacy
S. Jaishankar’s statements reflect the foreign policy framework he has crafted during his tenure as the longest-serving minister to hold the portfolio exclusively. Born in 1955 in Delhi, Jaishankar joined the Indian Foreign Service in 1977 and served in various capacities, including as ambassador to China and the United States, before becoming foreign secretary. He was first appointed as the Minister of External Affairs in 2019 and was re-appointed in June 2024 in the third Modi ministry.
Under his leadership, India’s foreign policy has been characterized by an India-first approach, emphasizing national interest, strategic autonomy, freedom of choice, and multi-vector diplomacy. This assertive stance has allowed India to navigate complex geopolitical landscapes while maintaining its relationships with major powers. Jaishankar’s recent remarks illustrate how this policy is being applied to the current crises, with India positioning itself as a responsible global actor that is willing to engage in diplomatic efforts to restore peace. His background in diplomacy and his experience in dealing with major powers have equipped him to articulate a clear and consistent message on the need for dialogue and cooperation in addressing global challenges.
Sources
- S. Jaishankar
- Statement by S. Jaishankar, Minister of External Affairs of India, at the General Debate of the 81st Session of the United Nations General Assembly
- 'We cannot remain helpless spectators': Jaishankar presses for 'dialogue and diplomacy' amid Ukraine, West Asia conflicts
Photo: Bundesministerium für europäische und internationale Angelegenheiten (CC BY 2.0)
