External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar who addressed the High-Level Session of the 77th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York on September 24 highlighted that India is on the side “Peace”. The 77th UNGA’s theme is “A Watershed Moment: Transformative Solutions to Interlocking Challenges.” In the Russia-Ukraine conflict, India is on the side that respects the UN Charter and its founding principles, External Affairs Minister (EAM) S Jaishankar told the UN General Assembly (UNGA) on Saturday, stressing that India saw diplomacy and dialogue as the only way out.

“As the Ukraine conflict continues to rage, we are often asked whose side we are on. And our answer each time is straight and honest. India is on the side of peace and will remain firmly there. We are on the side that respects the UN Charter and its founding principles,’’ the EAM said.

Developing countries were struggling to make ends meet due to the escalating cost of food, fuel and fertilisers. “Therefore, it is in the collective interest of the world community to work constructively in finding an early resolution to this conflict. This is not an era of war. This is the time for development and cooperation,” he observed.

On China blocking the listing of dreaded Pak-based terrorists, Jaishankar warned: “Those who politicise the United Nations Security Council 1267 Sanctions regime, sometimes to the extent of defending proclaimed terrorists, do so at their own peril. Believe me, they advance neither their own interests nor indeed their reputation.”