Advertisement
India stays neutral on Ukraine war, takes veiled shots at neighbours China, Pakistan, previews G20 term at UN
- While India expressed concerns over Russia’s war in Ukraine, maintaining a neutral stance, it refused to rescind business ties with Moscow
- India’s minister for external affairs took aim at its neighbours, alluding to cross-border terrorist attacks without mentioning Pakistan or China by name
Reading Time:2 minutes
Why you can trust SCMP
30
India’s foreign minister laid out the country’s plans for its turn at the G20 presidency during his speech on Saturday in front of the UN General Assembly.
India assumes the mantle of the consortium of leading developed and developing nations in December. Subrahmanyam Jaishankar said India’s approach would be “based on principles of mutual respect and national ownership with a commitment to sustainable development for all.”
Among India’s priority issues: the growing debt in weak economies, economic expansion, food and energy security, the environment and “the reform of governance of multilateral financial institutions.”
Advertisement
While India has expressed concerns over Russia’s war in Ukraine, the South Asian country – famously nonaligned during the Cold War – has maintained a neutral stance, refusing to abrogate business ties with Russia and join Western sanctions.
“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,” Jaishankar said. “India is on the side of peace and will remain firmly there.”
Advertisement
He called for constructive dialogue, diplomacy and action to resolve the conflict for the sake of all.
Advertisement
Select Voice
Choose your listening speed
Get through articles 2x faster
1.25x
250 WPM
Slow
Average
Fast
1.25x