India on Thursday voiced strong concerns over the crisis in West Asia, warning that continued tensions threaten global energy supplies, maritime stability and economic security, as external affairs minister S Jaishankar urged
BRICS nations to find “practical ways” to deal with geopolitical upheavals and “unilateral coercive” sanctions.
Addressing the opening day of a two-day BRICS conclave, Jaishankar said respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity must remain central to international relations, asserting that “dialogue and diplomacy” offer the only sustainable path to conflict resolution.
“The conflict in West Asia merits particular attention. Continuing tensions, risks to maritime traffic, and disruptions to energy infrastructure highlight the fragility of the situation,” Jaishankar said.
He stressed that safe and unimpeded maritime flows through international waterways, including the Strait of Hormuz and the Red Sea, remain vital for global economic well-being.
The minister also voiced concern over the humanitarian situation in Gaza and reiterated India’s support for a peaceful resolution of the conflict.
“The wider region also gives rise to serious concern. The conflict in Gaza has grave humanitarian implications.
“A sustained ceasefire, humanitarian access, and a credible pathway towards a durable and peaceful resolution remain essential. India supports a two-state solution where the Palestine issue is concerned,” he said.
Jaishankar also referred to challenges facing Lebanon and Syria, along with the situations in Sudan, Yemen and Libya, and called for sustained international engagement and coordinated diplomatic efforts.
“Taken together, they underline a clear reality: stability cannot be selective, and peace cannot be piecemeal. It is essential to uphold international law, protect civilians, and avoid targeting public infrastructure,” he said.
He said India stands ready to contribute constructively towards de-escalation efforts and support initiatives aimed at restoring stability.
Without naming any country, Jaishankar also underlined the need to address what he described as “the increasing resort to unilateral coercive measures and sanctions inconsistent with international law and the UN Charter.”
“Such measures disproportionately affect developing countries. These unjustifiable measures cannot substitute dialogue, nor can pressure replace diplomacy,” he said.
The minister described terrorism as a “continuing threat” and said there can be no justification for terrorism in any form.
“Cross-border terrorism violates the basic principles of international relations. Zero tolerance must remain an uncompromising and universal norm,” he said.
Jaishankar also highlighted concerns over trust, transparency and equitable access in the face of rapid technological advancements and stressed the need to bridge the digital divide.
On climate change, he said climate action must go hand in hand with climate justice, backed by credible commitments, adequate financing and accessible support.
The external affairs minister also pushed for reforms of the UN Security Council.
“Even as challenges mount, the multilateral system unfortunately weakens. The state of the United Nations, which is at its core, is particularly worrisome. With each passing day, the case for reformed multilateralism only gets stronger,” he said.
“This includes the reform of the UN Security Council in both the permanent and non-permanent categories. Continued delay comes at a high cost,” he added.
“The message from our times is clear: cooperation is essential, dialogue is necessary, and reform is overdue. We must work together to shape a more stable, equitable, and inclusive international order,” Jaishankar said.
The India-hosted meeting assumes significance as the BRICS bloc grapples with the economic consequences of the West Asia crisis, particularly disruptions to energy supplies, as well as Washington’s policy on trade and tariffs.
Iranian foreign minister Abbas Araghchi, Russian foreign minister Sergey Lavrov, Brazil’s Mauro Vieira, Indonesian foreign minister Sugiono and South Africa’s minister for international relations Ronald Lamola are among the leaders attending the conclave.
India, which currently chairs BRICS, is hosting the conclave of foreign ministers ahead of the grouping’s annual summit in September.
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