Team Blitz India
Minister of External Affairs, S Jaishankar, in his address at the 19th Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) Summit called upon member countries to forge a united front against threats to economic security.
He underscored that the resonance of NAM’s voice should not be confined to the summit but reverberate globally, signalling a collective impact. The summit took place in Kampala, Uganda from January 19- 20. Jaishankar underscored the NonAligned Movement’s (NAM) need for audacity in claiming its place and asserting demands as it enters its seventh decade.
EAM Jaishankar calls for global resonance
Emphasising collaboration, he highlighted the power of shared efforts to effect global change. The resounding voice of NAM, he stated, transcends the moment, urging a resolute conveyance of this message today for a testament to shared vision and collective well-being.
Myriad challenges
Addressing fellow NAM members, Jaishankar extended an invitation to convey a resounding message that NAM’s voice is not ephemeral but poised for expansion. Delving into the myriad challenges confronting nations aligned with the movement, he expounded on issues ranging from climate change and the repercussions of the Covid pandemic to global conflicts and economic hurdles such as debt, inflation, and developmental obstacles.
Describing India as a global friend, Jaishankar acknowledged the abandonment of the zero-sum game of colonialism but cautioned against new forms of inequality and dominance in the era of globalisation. He urged vigilance against economic powers perceiving other nations merely as markets or resources.
His address echoed the importance of establishing regional economic centres and flexible supply chains, aiming to attain self-reliance and economic independence for NAM member countries. In the words of Jaishankar, the essence of NAM’s collective strength and resolve echoed not only in the hallowed halls of the summit but resonated as a powerful force in the global discourse.
The Gaza conflict
While speaking about the Gaza conflict, Jaishankar called it a humanitarian crisis which demands a sustainable resolution to provide immediate relief to the most affected. He emphasised that it was paramount to unequivocally denounce terrorism and hostage-taking, while upholding the principles of international humanitarian law across all states. He urged NAM members to collaboratively strive towards a two-state solution, ensuring that the Palestinian people can inhabit secure borders.