S Jaishankar Affirms Bharat's Sovereignty and Global Role at UN General Assembly

S Jaishankar delivered a powerful address at the General Debate of the 80th high-level session of the UN General Assembly.

United Nations:

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar emphasized that Bharat will always maintain its freedom of choice, highlighting three fundamental concepts guiding India's approach in today's global landscape: 'atmanirbharta' (self-reliance), 'atmaraksha' (self-defense), and 'atmavishwas' (self-confidence).

Beginning his address with "Namaskar from the people of Bharat," Jaishankar spoke to world leaders gathered at the 80th high-level session of the UN General Assembly on Saturday.

Jaishankar elaborated that 'atmanirbharta' involves "developing our own capabilities, building our own strengths and nurturing our own talent." He noted visible results across sectors including manufacturing, space programs, pharmaceutical production, and digital applications, adding that "Make, innovate and design in India also benefit the world."

Regarding 'atmaraksha,' the minister affirmed India's determination to protect its citizens and secure their interests both domestically and internationally. "That means zero tolerance for terrorism, robust defence of our borders, forging partnerships beyond and assisting our community abroad," he stated.

'Atmavishwas' reflects that as the world's most populous nation, a civilizational state, and a rapidly growing major economy, "we are confident about who we are and what we will be. Bharat will always maintain its freedom of choice. And will always be a voice of the Global South," Jaishankar declared.

The minister questioned whether the UN has met expectations during a time of significant conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East/West Asia, while countless other hotspots receive minimal attention.

Jaishankar called for nations to contribute to peace and prosperity, noting that even countries not directly involved in conflicts have felt their impact. "Nations who can engage all sides must step up in the search for solutions. India calls for an end to hostilities and will support any initiative that will help restore peace," he urged.

He pointed out that energy and food security have been primary casualties of conflict and disruption since 2022. "Better-off societies insulated themselves by having the first call. The resource-stressed ones scrambled to survive, only to hear sanctimonious lectures thereafter," he observed.

On trade issues, Jaishankar remarked that non-market practices have manipulated rules and regimes. "The resulting concentration exposed the world to leveraging. On top of that, we now see tariff volatility and uncertain market access. As a result, de-risking is a growing compulsion," he said.

His comments come amid US tariff impositions globally, including significant 50 percent tariffs on India, with 25 percent specifically targeting Russian oil purchases.

Jaishankar highlighted additional economic concerns including heightened technology control, grip on supply chains and critical minerals, connectivity challenges, and restrictions on global workplace evolution.

The minister emphasized that UN member nations meet as sovereign equals, acknowledging the world's inherent diversity. "For them to co-exist, for them to enrich each other, it is imperative that we foster understanding and respect," he said, adding this requires resistance to political interference, economic pressures, prejudiced narratives, and double standards.

Jaishankar strongly advocated for UN reform, calling for expansion of both permanent and non-permanent Security Council membership to ensure true representation. "India stands ready to assume greater responsibilities," he declared, criticizing resistance to reform as central to the UN's credibility erosion.

He underscored India's multifaceted global contributions: "India's soldiers ensure peacekeeping, its sailors protect maritime shipping, our security counters terrorism, our doctors and teachers facilitate human development the world over, our industry produces affordable products, our techies promote digitisation and our training facilities are open to the world. These remain the core of our foreign policy."

Recognizing the challenging times facing the international community, Jaishankar concluded, "It is imperative to stay strong, to hold firm and to deepen friendships. International cooperation must prevail because islands of prosperity cannot flourish in an ocean of turbulence. A world order requires common purpose, as it does empathy for others. That is where we look to the United Nations."