Diplomacy Over Force: Jaishankar's Message at G20 Atlanta

Attacks on shipping are hurting developing nations the most, Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar said at the G20 Foreign Ministers' Meeting in Atlanta, as he urged the world to choose diplomacy over military action.

Jaishankar told the gathering that military solutions cannot solve the world's problems. Diplomacy, he said, must be given its chance to work.

He also pointed to the uneven impact of attacks on commercial vessels and seafarers on Global South economies. According to him, these incidents are affecting the supply and cost of fuel, food and fertilisers in these countries.

For the maritime crisis, Jaishankar urged all sides to respect freedom of navigation under the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea and to stop attacks immediately. He said India and Liberia had launched a joint initiative to ensure the safety of seafarers.

On trade, he made a strong case for developing countries. He said their right to industrialise was being blocked through excessive market supply, weaponised supply chains, restricted market access and deliberate market imbalances, and that all of this must stop.

He also called for strong and alternative connectivity arrangements. Such systems, he said, are needed as the global economy seeks to lower risks and diversify trade ties.

Jaishankar warned that the threat of terrorism must not be ignored for strategic or short-term reasons. Terrorism, he said, is a very risky course and those who promote it have ultimately faced the consequences. He did not name any country.

The session was hosted by US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who said on X that maritime and food security advance economic security. A preliminary transcript of his opening remarks showed that the session covered freedom of navigation and food security.

Before the formal discussions, Jaishankar had shared images with other foreign ministers on social media, noting that he was in Atlanta with colleagues.

The two-day G20 Foreign Ministers' Meeting concludes on Saturday. The Ministry of External Affairs has said Jaishankar will attend the Quad foreign ministers' meeting and hold several bilateral talks.