New Delhi: External Affairs Minister (EAM) S Jaishankar said on Sunday that the usage of terrorism as an "instrument of statecraft" is simply unacceptable and that it can never be justified or rationalised.
The remarks were made during an event held here at Bharat Mandapam to mark the 75th anniversary of Chinmaya Mission on the occasion of the United Nations (UN) Day.
"Let us consider the indivisibility of peace. Now, war anywhere threatens peace everywhere," the Union minister said.
He cited the conflicts in Ukraine and the West Asia region currently underway, and asserted that India expresses global sentiment when it says that dialogue and diplomacy is the only solution.
"Terrorism is another deadly threat to peace. Its usage as an instrument of statecraft is simply unacceptable. It can never be justified. It can never be rationalised. Yet, it continues because not all states really display zero tolerance. Despite history, holding so many lessons, some still allow political calculations to take precedence," Jaishankar said.
The world must, therefore, develop sharper awareness about this common threat, and it must come together with stronger resolve and counter terrorism in all its forms and manifestations, he said.
On the need for reforms in the United Nations, Jaishankar said the shortcomings and limitations of the global body must be recognised and addressed, adding that the case for reformed multilateralism was becoming stronger by the day.
"Large parts of the world cannot be left out from decision-making. The UN must show leadership, not be a spectator to global crises," he said.
Calling for a renewed commitment to collective action, Jaishankar said the international community must continue to work towards long-awaited changes in the global multilateral system.
"On this occasion, even as we recognise the need for such long-awaited changes, let us renew our commitment to work together. We are common, we are shared, we are united," he said.
Jaishankar said the collective and cooperative instincts of the world were articulated and expressed over eight decades ago in the founding of the United Nations. Article 1 of the UN Charter enjoined this institution to be a centre for "harmonising the actions of nations" in the attainment of common ends, he underlined.
"It is fitting, therefore, that we gather to advance a sense of oneness as we celebrate the UN Day. After all, whether it is the challenges or the opportunities that confront the world, these can be best, most effectively addressed collectively," he said.
Jaishankar also said that India continued to demonstrate its commitment to global cooperation through vaccine supplies, development partnerships and humanitarian assistance, highlighting the country's approach of 'Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam'.
The minister highlighted India's support for other countries during the COVID-19 pandemic and its development and capacity-building initiatives across the world.
"During the COVID epidemic, India decided to supply vaccines to nations that could have been left behind, even while its own vaccination was in progress," Jaishankar said.
Highlighting India's development partnerships, the EAM said, "India's development partnerships today span 78 nations with hundreds of projects."
"Its training and its capacity-building institutions have space for the world, even while driving its own national goals," he added.
Jaishankar also highlighted India's role in providing emergency assistance to countries in need, citing examples from different regions.
"Its first responder capabilities are on regular display. Whether we speak of Nepal or Sri Lanka, or indeed of Venezuela or Jamaica, Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam is practised. It is not merely preached," he said.
Celebrated on October 24, United Nations Day marks the anniversary of the entry into force in 1945 of the UN Charter. The United Nations officially came into being with the ratification of this founding document by the majority of its signatories, including the five permanent members of the Security Council.
(With inputs from PTI & ANI)