New Delhi, May 14 -- Delivering his remarks at the ongoing two-day BRICS Foreign Ministers' Meeting being held in New Delhi, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, on Thursday, made it emphatically clear that terrorism in any form had absolutely "no justification" and cross-border terrorism violates "basic principles of international relations." Highlighting India's stance on the matter, Jaishankar went ahead to state that zero tolerance should be the norm when it comes to terrorism.

Speaking to his counterparts on the first day of the two-day ministerial meet, Jaishankar expressed concern over the declining efficiency of the multilateral institutions, especially the UN, and once again reiterated India's call for reforms within the UN Security Council.

"With each passing day, the case for reform of the multilateral system becomes even more compel-ling. Delay will come with a high cost," Jaishankar remarked.

The minister additionally mentioned the persistence of instability in Lebanon, Syria, Sudan, Yemen, and Libya, describing such situations as problems that necessitate "international engagement and diplomacy."

Highlighting the interdependence of security in the world, he added that "stability is not selective, nor can peace be piecemeal."

In his address, Jaishankar urged the parties involved to follow international norms and ensure the safety of civilians and refrain from targeting the civilian infrastructure of their respective countries. He stated that India was ready to offer its assistance "in de-escalation efforts" for achieving stability in such nations.

Concerning the humanitarian situation in Gaza, the minister highlighted the importance of the crisis as "carrying grave humanitarian implications" and stressed India's commitment to "a lasting cease-fire, humanitarian access, and a realistic path forward towards a sustainable and peaceful resolu-tion." He further emphasised India's consistent stance on the Palestine question in favour of a two-state solution.

While addressing other pressing issues, the topic of new technologies and the environment, the Ex-ternal Affairs Minister brought up concerns pertaining to rapid developments in technology, which have been instrumental but at the same time pose questions regarding "trust, transparency and equi-table access."

Published by HT Digital Content Services with permission from Millennium Post.