Innovative, participative diplomacy can help solving conflicts: Jaishankar

Jaishankar advocates for innovative diplomacy amid rising global conflicts, emphasizing the need for negotiation over war in Russia-Ukraine conflict.

External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar on Saturday (December 7, 2024) called for “more innovative and participative diplomacy” and said the needle is moving towards the reality of negotiations rather than the continuation of the war between Russia and Ukraine.

Mr. Jaishankar highlighted the increasing cost of oil, fertilisers and shipping etc. for several countries, including India, due to conflicts in the Gulf and the Mediterranean region.

He is visiting Doha to participate in the Doha Forum at the invitation of Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of State of Qatar Mohammed bin Abdulrahman. He was addressing a panel along with the Qatari Prime Minister and Norway's Foreign Minister Espen Barth Eide.

Mr. Jaishankar said that diplomats have to tell themselves, it's a messy world. “It's terrible. There are conflicts, but therefore there's all the more reason for diplomats of the world to step forward,” he said.

He also said the era of the 60s and the 70s when the UN Security Council or a few Western powers managed conflicts is “behind us,” adding that all countries need to step forward.

“I think this, there is a greater case for more vigorous diplomacy, for more innovative diplomacy, for a more participative diplomacy, and, and I think more countries need to have the boldness to bypass the West,” the former Diplomat turned Minister said.

When the anchor asked about India's role in the Russia-Ukraine conflict, Mr. Jaishankar said, “The needle is moving more towards the reality of negotiation than the continuation of the war.” Describing how India is walking the talk, by going to Moscow, talking to President Vladimir Putin, going to Kyiv, engaging, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, transparently carrying messages to each others, Mr. Jaishankar said India is trying to find “common threads” which can be picked up at some time.