‘It’s a world very much of double standards’ says EAM Dr S. Jaishankar!

Speaking at a Ministerial Session, Mr Jaishankar talked about global issues, including the resistance to change among influential leaders.

While addressing the Ministerial Session, ‘South Rising: Partnerships, Institutions and Ideas’ on Saturday, External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar said, “There is a growing sentiment in the world, and the Global South in a way embodies it. But there’s also political resistance. Those occupying positions of influence are resisting pressure to change.”

In the words of S. Jaishankar, the production capabilities of economically powerful nations are being weaponized by people with institutional clout. He cited COVID-19 as an example and emphasized the fact that there are still double standards around the globe. 

According to the report of ANI, S. Jaishankar said “They will mouth the right things, but the reality is still today, it’s a world with very much double standards.” 

 Speaking about the Global South and India’s G20 Presidency, Jaishankar emphasized how India was ‘the voice of the Global South’ and how it steered the global conversation back to global growth and development issues by getting the G20 to talk about what the world wanted to talk about, the G20’s real problem. 

“Getting the G20 to talk about what the world wanted to talk about was the real problem with the G20.” Our Prime Minister said it perfectly when he said, “First, let’s talk to the people who aren’t going to be at the table.” Let us hear what they have to say. This is why we were the voice of the Global South. “I think it gave us the foundation to say, look, we’ve spoken to 125 countries, and this is really what’s troubling them, and that’s why we need to focus on this issue,” Jaishankar said.

Talking about his very famous comebacks  EAM Jaishankar said that “Particular statement had a particular context” when he said that “Europe’s problems are the world’s problems but the world’s problems are not Europe’s problems” last year, ANI reported. 

“I believe there is a sense of history.” Much of the Global South comes from a colonised world. There is a sense of geography. The Global South does not include all countries in the South. And, I believe, there is also the mindset. So, in some ways, the Global South is an expression of a certain solidarity and generosity, as well as a sharing of community. “I think if you’re from the Global South, you’re aware of it,” he continued.

India’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Ruchira Kamboj, also spoke at the event. The panel discussion included Foreign Ministers Vince Henderson of Dominica, Kamina Johnson Smith of Jamaica, and Joao Gomes Cravinho of Portugal.

Mr Jaishankar identified several global concerns, including debt, resources for addressing climate action and achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), digital accessibility, nutrition, and gender issues. Before the G-20 New Delhi Summit, India took the initiative to host the ‘Voice of the Global South’ Summit in January 2023, which aimed to assess the priorities and perspectives of various countries on these important matters.

Furthermore, Mr Jaishankar indicated that there is potential for some advancements in the reform of international financial institutions, such as the World Bank and International Monetary Fund, to occur before India concludes its G-20 Presidency at the end of November.

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