‘Countries far from conflicts being penalised’: Jaishankar invokes PM Modi’s remark at UNGA
Jaishankar urges global action as conflicts disrupt countries far beyond the battlefield
Bharatmorningnews.com – External affairs minister S Jaishankar has warned that the costs of ongoing conflicts are increasingly being carried by nations that have little role in the disputes themselves. Speaking at the United Nations General Assembly, he said countries geographically removed from war zones are still facing serious economic and humanitarian consequences.
His remarks focused on the wider effects of instability, particularly the pressure placed on trade routes, energy supplies, civilians and economies that depend on uninterrupted international commerce. Jaishankar argued that the countries suffering the greatest fallout often have limited influence over decisions that could end the violence.
“Countries far from conflicts are being penalised for no fault of theirs. Those most impacted often have the least say,”
He called on the international community to confront what he described as the real situation created by prolonged hostilities. The statement reflected India’s broader emphasis on dialogue, restraint and the protection of civilian populations during international crises.
Concern over escalation in the Gulf
Jaishankar highlighted the worsening security environment in West Asia, pointing to a conflict in the Gulf that has added to an already fragile regional situation. The region is significant not only for the countries directly involved but also for global energy markets and shipping networks.
“This year, we are witnessing a conflict in the Gulf, one that is exacerbating an already difficult situation. We remain deeply concerned over continuing hostilities.”
His comments underlined how instability in one part of the world can quickly affect distant economies. Countries reliant on imported energy, international freight and maritime trade can face higher costs and supply disruptions even when they are not parties to a conflict.
The Gulf and nearby sea lanes are central to the movement of energy products and commercial goods. Any threat to vessels using these routes can affect shipping schedules, insurance costs and the movement of supplies across regions. Such disruptions can eventually be felt by consumers and businesses far from the immediate area of conflict.
Safety of ships and seafarers
The external affairs minister also raised concern about attacks on commercial vessels and seafarers amid strikes in the Strait of Hormuz. He said ships travelling through international waters must be able to operate safely.
“India calls upon all parties to exercise restraint, de-escalate tensions, ensure protection of civilians, and uninterrupted flow of energy and commerce,”
Jaishankar described attacks on ships transiting international waterways as unacceptable. His appeal linked the safety of seafarers with the need to keep trade and energy flows open at a time of heightened tension.
For India, maritime stability carries particular importance because international shipping supports trade, energy imports and supply chains. The protection of commercial shipping is also a wider global concern, as delays or disruptions in major waterways can affect countries across Asia, Africa, Europe and elsewhere.
A call for restraint and a stronger international response
Jaishankar’s address placed the spotlight on the unequal burden created by war. Governments far from a conflict may have little ability to shape events, yet their citizens can still experience the consequences through inflation, uncertainty in energy markets, reduced trade activity and pressure on essential supplies.
His message was that international responses should take account of those broader effects rather than viewing conflicts only through the interests of the parties directly involved. The protection of civilians, the safety of shipping and the continuation of commercial activity were presented as urgent priorities alongside efforts to reduce military escalation.
The appeal for restraint comes as global institutions face repeated pressure to respond to conflicts that cross borders through economic, humanitarian and security consequences. Jaishankar’s remarks stressed that the costs of inaction do not remain confined to a single region.
By raising the issue at the UN General Assembly, India called attention to the need for diplomacy that addresses both immediate violence and its wider impact on countries with limited influence over the conflict. The minister’s intervention also reinforced the view that safe international waterways and reliable access to energy are shared global interests.
As tensions continue, the central message from India was clear: escalation carries consequences well beyond the battlefield, and efforts to protect civilians, seafarers, trade routes and energy supplies require greater urgency from all sides.
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