At G20 in Atlanta, Jaishankar says military force cannot solve global conflicts, urges end to shipping attacks

External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar has called on world powers to give diplomacy a real chance, telling the G20 Foreign Ministers' Meeting in Atlanta that military action cannot resolve today's global conflicts.

Speaking at the first plenary session of the two-day meeting hosted by US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Jaishankar set out India's position against the backdrop of the war in Ukraine and the conflict in West Asia, according to All India Radio.

Focus on sea lanes and seafarers

A central part of his message was the safety of merchant shipping. He said freedom of navigation must be upheld in line with international law, particularly the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea, and that attacks on civilian vessels and their crews must stop.

Jaishankar said countries of the Global South were bearing a disproportionate share of the fallout, as disruptions threaten supplies of fuel, food and fertiliser and push up prices. He noted that at least 22 Indians, including 14 seafarers, have lost their lives in West Asia since the conflict began in February this year.

Quad and bilateral meetings

On the sidelines, Jaishankar is taking part in a Quad Foreign Ministers' Meeting with Rubio, Japan's Toshimitsu Motegi and Australia's Penny Wong. Maritime security, supply chains and technology were expected to dominate the discussion, ANI reported, citing sources. He also held talks with several counterparts before the plenary, with meetings planned with ministers from Germany, Canada, Brazil, Argentina, Poland and South Korea among others.

Washington has said the G20 agenda covers energy, supply chains and maritime routes. The United States will host the G20 Leaders' Summit in Miami on December 14 and 15.

Why it matters for India

India imports most of its crude oil, much of its LNG and large volumes of fertiliser through sea routes that pass near conflict zones. Indian sailors also make up a large share of the world's merchant crews, which makes shipping security a direct concern for thousands of Indian families.

After Atlanta, Jaishankar will travel to St John's in Antigua and Barbuda to lead India's delegation at the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting, scheduled for November 1 to 4.