External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Tuesday (local time) called for greater cooperation among Global South countries to address rising geopolitical tensions, economic challenges, climate shocks and pressures on the multilateral system.
Addressing the meeting of Global South Countries on the sidelines of the 81st UN General Assembly, Jaishankar said the global situation was marked by increasing conflicts, pressure on supply chains and trade, fragmented investment flows, growing debt vulnerabilities and inadequate development finance.
“Assessed a global picture marked by rising conflicts and geopolitical tensions; mounting pressure on supply chains and trade; fragmenting investment flows; growing debt vulnerabilities amid inadequate development finance; intensifying climate shocks; and a multilateral system and international norms under increasing strain,” Jaishankar said in a post on X.
He said Global South countries should work together to address key challenges, including supply chain, finance and connectivity bottlenecks.
Jaishankar called for efforts to prevent the manipulation of energy availability and prices, ensure food security by addressing challenges related to grain and fertiliser supplies, and promote fair economic and trade practices.
He also highlighted the need to enhance industrialisation and production capabilities, secure maritime commons, and ensure the safety and security of seafarers and commercial shipping.
The External Affairs Minister further stressed the importance of managing the transformations brought by Artificial Intelligence to prevent divisions and called for greater inclusion in decision-making structures on issues affecting Global South countries.
“We must forge closer economic, technological & environmental cooperation, use existing platforms to highlight our concerns, while striving for Reformed Multilateralism,” Jaishankar said.
