Jaishankar urges greater solidarity among Global South nations (Img: X)
United Nations: External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Tuesday called for stronger solidarity among countries of the Global South. He said that developing nations are increasingly bearing the impact of conflicts, economic disruptions and climate-related shocks while having limited influence over global decision-making.
Addressing a high-level meeting of like-minded Global South countries and their partners on the sidelines of the 81st United Nations General Assembly, Jaishankar described the current period as one of "considerable global uncertainty".
He pointed to the disruption in global supply chain, growing trade barriers, fragmented investment flows and mounting pressure on international law and institutions due to geopolitical tensions.
EAM said international institutions established in an earlier era still reflected the power structures of that period. According to him, this has left developing countries exposed to global crises and limited role in decision making which is affecting their future.
"The Global South today may be in the front row of the global crisis, but is in the back row of decision-making," Jaishankar said.
He said the rise in active conflicts over the past year posed a particular threat to developing economies and criticised the weakening of multilateralism when international cooperation was most needed.
"For the Global South, there has never been a moment as critical as right now for solidarity," he said.
Jaishankar outlined seven areas for greater cooperation, including removing "choke points" in supply chains, finance and connectivity. He said energy security must remain central to development and that energy availability and pricing should not be manipulated for political advantage.
He also stressed cooperation on food security, including reliable supplies of grains and fertilisers. On trade, Jaishankar called for fair practices that strengthen domestic production rather than increase dependence on imports.
"Our right to industrialise must not be denied," he said.
He further called for protecting maritime commons, upholding international law and ensuring the safety of seafarers and commercial shipping.
