External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Thursday once again backed a two-state solution in the ongoing conflict in West Asia and said “any approach has to be fair and durable”.
Speaking at the Brics Outreach Session in Russia’s Kazan city, EAM Jaishankar reiterated Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s words, “This is not an era of war.”
“Addressing conflicts and tensions effectively is a particular need of the day. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has emphasised that this is not an era of war,” he said.
‘Disputes must be settled by dialogue’
Jaishankar further said that disputes and differences must be settled by dialogue and diplomacy.
“Agreements once reached, must be scrupulously respected. International law should be adhered to, without exception and there should be zero tolerance for terrorism,” he said.
‘West Asia situation an understandable concern’
Jaishankar said that there has been an increasing concern about the ongoing conflict in West Asia spreading further in the region.
“The situation in the Middle East, West Asia for us is an understandable concern. There is a widespread anxiety that the conflict would spread further in the region. Maritime trade has also been deeply affected. The human and material consequences of further escalation are truly serious. Any approach has to be fair and durable, leading to a two state solution,” Jaishankar said.
The conflict in West Asia has been significantly escalating after Israel and Iran threatened each other with an endless series of retaliations.
During his meeting with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian on the sidelines of the 16th Brics Summit in Kazan, PM Modi expressed “deep concern” over the ongoing situation in the region and called for “dialogue and diplomacy” to de-escalate the tension.
Pezeshkian too emphasised the need for peace in West Asia and the “role that New Delhi could play in de-escalating the West Asia crisis,” given its good relations with all the parties involved.
Jaishankar, in his address, also said: “We meet in difficult circumstances. The world must be prepared to think afresh on long standing challenges. Our gathering is a message that we are indeed prepared to do so. “
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