𝐉𝐚𝐢𝐬𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐤𝐚𝐫: 𝐓𝐞𝐫𝐫𝐨𝐫𝐢𝐬𝐦 𝐓𝐨𝐩 𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐞𝐧𝐠𝐞 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐆𝐥𝐨𝐛𝐚𝐥 𝐒𝐨𝐮𝐭𝐡

Copenhagen, May 23: External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar has emphasized that terrorism remains one of the most pressing collective challenges for the Global South, alongside climate change, poverty, and the lingering effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.

In an interview with Danish daily Politiken, he stated that these issues are deeply interconnected and continue to define the shared concerns of developing nations across Africa, Asia, Latin America, and Oceania.

Addressing the recent escalation in tensions between India and Pakistan, Jaishankar clarified, “It wasn’t a conflict between two countries—it was a terrorist attack.” This referred to the April 22 assault in Jammu and Kashmir’s Pahalgam, where 26 tourists, including one Nepali national, were killed. In retaliation, Indian forces launched Operation Sindoor on May 7.

On India’s crude oil imports from Russia amid the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict, Jaishankar provided a two-part response, separating concerns related to borders from those of energy. He recalled that since India’s independence in 1947, its borders have repeatedly been violated by Pakistan, yet many Western democracies have chosen to align with military regimes in the region. “Europe talks about inviolable borders—well, why not start with ours?” he asked, stressing India’s consistent respect for sovereignty and international norms.

On energy policy, he pointed out the double standards of European nations. Despite imposing sanctions on Russia, Europe continues to purchase Russian energy while driving up global prices. This, he said, has made energy unaffordable for many developing countries, including India. “When Europe turned to the Middle East, offering inflated prices, major oil companies prioritized them over others. What were we supposed to do? Just go without energy?” he questioned.

Jaishankar also drew attention to the impact of sanctions on major oil producers like Iran and Venezuela, noting that energy remains a matter of survival for countries with far lower income levels than Europe. “If Europe has the right to make its choices, then so do we. Respect our right to find our own solutions,” he stated.

Reflecting on the evolving global order, Jaishankar observed that the world is becoming more multipolar and less dominated by Western powers. He noted that while the outlines of a new order are emerging, the older structures still exert influence. Cultural shifts, economic realignments, and new global partnerships are reshaping how countries interact and cooperate.

The External Affairs Minister highlighted the 2008 global financial crisis as a pivotal moment, marking the transition from a G7-G8 world to a G20 framework. He stressed that global institutions have not kept pace with these changes, pointing out that the United Nations, created when the world had around 50 member states, struggles to function effectively with nearly 200 today.

“Our current global institutions don’t reflect today’s realities. When decision-making is blocked by a few, alternative ways of cooperation emerge. The UN is becoming less relevant, and like water, politics finds a new balance,” he explained.

Looking ahead, Jaishankar projected a future defined by multipolarity and pragmatic cooperation. He noted that alliances rooted in the old order may not disappear entirely, but the focus, particularly in Asia, is shifting toward issue-based partnerships rather than rigid treaties.

The remarks came during his ongoing official visit to the Netherlands, Denmark, and Germany, where he also met with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz in Berlin, conveying greetings from Prime Minister Narendra Modi.