NEW DELHI: India’s Foreign Minister S Jaishankar addressed the opening segment of the G20 meeting solicited by foreign ministers. He underscored global issues related to conflicts, the Covid pandemic, food, fuel, and fertilizer security. Highlighting the geopolitical tensions, Jaishankar underlined that the G20 grouping “bears an exceptional responsibility” in finding common directions to address these challenges.
He noted that the future of multilateralism depends on the ability of countries to adapt to a changing world, particularly in areas like food and energy security. He stressed that countries should address issues related to food, fuel, and fertilizer security. He noted that these issues are make-or-break for many countries and must not be relegated to the periphery of the international discourse.
On the contrary, the US Secretary of State claimed that the Group of 20 (G20) meeting of foreign ministers has again been marred by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. His remarks came as he called for the bloc to call on Russia to withdraw its forces.
” Unfortunately, this meeting has again been marred by Russia’s unprovoked and unjustified war against Ukraine, deliberate campaign of destruction against civilian targets, and its attack on the core principles of the UN Charter,” the top U.S. diplomat told the bloc’s foreign ministers, as per media reports.
“It is imperative the G20 speak up on behalf of extending and expanding the (Black Sea) grain initiative to strengthen food security for the most vulnerable,” Blinken added.
This years’ G20 host has several times abstained from voting against the nuclear nation.