BRICS Meeting: S Jaishankar calls for respecting territorial integrity, Chinese counterpart in attendance
BRICS Meeting: India’s External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar on Thursday urged the BRICS nations to respect the territorial integrity and international law. He said, ” We must live up to these commitments.
He also urged the nations to exhibit zero tolerance toward terrorism especially border terrorism.
Mr. Jaishankar’s subtle references to the issues faced by India from China and Pakistan came during a Foreign Minister’s meeting on May 19.
“BRICS must display zero tolerance for terrorism, especially cross-border terrorism… BRICS repeatedly affirmed respect for sovereign equality, territorial integrity, international law; must live up to commitments,” S. Jaishankar said at the platform where his counterpart from China was in attendance.
S. Jaishankar’s remarks are significant in light of the continuing border dispute between India and China, as well as widely expressed concerns over Pakistan’s use of non-state entities in a proxy war against India.
Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Arindam Bagchi told a routine press briefing on Thursday that India is in negotiations with China about building a second bridge across the Pangong Tso.
“We have seen reports on this bridge or a second bridge. We are monitoring the situation. Of course, we always felt it was occupied. Talks are on with the Chinese side,” spokesperson Arindam Bagchi said.
Since April 2020, India and China have been involved in a bitter standoff along the Line of Actual Control (LAC). The issue resolved after several rounds of talks and diplomatic interactions.
Other crucial issues raised by S. Jaishankar
During his address to the BRICS, Foreign Ministers S. Jaishankar highlighted eight essential topics, including the need for member countries to not just pursue socioeconomic recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic, but also to build robust and trustworthy supply chains.
Citing Ukraine, India’s Foreign Minister S. Jaishankar said the sharp rise in expenses such as energy, food, and commodities must be moderated for the interest of the developing countries.
“BRICS should unanimously and specially support United Nations Security Council Reforms.”, he said.
S. Jaishankar further stressed the importance of developing countries making credible commitments of resources for climate action and climate justice.
“We must not only seek socioeconomic recovery from the Covid pandemic, but we must also create robust and reliable supply networks,’ says S. Jaishankar.
He added that a globalised and digitised society will value trust and openness, and that sustainable development goals must be tackled holistically.
What is BRICS?
BRICS is an assembly that represents five of the world’s developing economies – Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa.
