India highlights global responsibility and development support for island nations at UNGA

Even as India advances rapidly on the global stage, it remains deeply committed to fulfilling its international responsibilities, maintaining strong support for developing small island nations, stated India's External Affairs Minister, Dr. S. Jaishankar.

Addressing the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), Jaishankar emphasized India’s dedication to shared global progress, highlighting that there were 600 major Indian development projects currently active across 78 nations.

 "Even as India progresses, we are conscious of our global responsibilities," Jaishankar remarked. "African nations and small island developing states have been our preferred partners in this journey."

He detailed that these initiatives encompass critical sectors such as infrastructure, manufacturing, agriculture, information technology, climate action, clean energy, and sustainable water solutions.

Highlighting India's track record as a dependable first responder in times of crises, Jaishankar noted India's prompt delivery of critical medical shipments, food supplies, and relief during natural disasters and epidemics, including the flash floods in Nepal and the earthquake in Venezuela. He also underscored the nation’s longstanding commitment to UN peacekeeping, where Indian contingents currently serve in nine out of 11 mandates.

Turning to emerging security challenges, the External Affairs Minister strongly condemned recent disruptions and attacks targeting commercial vessels and seafarers across critical waterways, including the Gulf, the Red Sea, and the Black Sea.

"Indian seafarers have lost their lives, as indeed have others from other nations. This is completely unacceptable," he asserted, noting that India has partnered with Liberia and 23 other nations to rally global action against such unwarranted targeting while strictly observing international maritime law.

Regarding technological transformation, Jaishankar described Artificial Intelligence (AI) as a powerful driver for human empowerment and large-scale problem-solving, reiterating that every nation holds the right to develop its own technological ecosystem aligned with its domestic priorities.

Calling for a revitalized, reformed multilateral system in an increasingly multipolar world, Jaishankar also conveyed India's gratitude to outgoing UN Secretary-General António Guterres for his decade of service and dedication.

Concluding his address, he invoked the enduring wisdom of Mahatma Gandhi to inspire the international community, "There is no way to peace. Peace is the way."