IBSA Foreign Ministers Condemn Pahalgam Terror Attack, Reaffirm Zero Tolerance for Terrorism

New York, September 25 (Daily Kiran) : In New York, on September 25, Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar met with South African Foreign Minister Ronald Lamola and Brazilian Foreign Minister Mauro Vieira. The trio condemned the Pahalgam terror attack from the previous year and reiterated their commitment to a zero-tolerance policy against terrorism.

These three nations form the IBSA Dialogue Forum, and their foreign ministers convened for discussions on various global issues. Jaishankar noted that their joint statement called for comprehensive reforms in the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) to make it more democratic and representative, thereby enhancing its credibility and reflecting the current global landscape more accurately.

The ministers emphasized the need for a more equitable and effective participation of developing and emerging economies in the global economic system. Following the meeting, Jaishankar shared on social media that he had engaged in discussions with Lamola and Vieira regarding these critical matters.

The joint statement reaffirmed their commitment to the UN Charter, international law, and a robust multilateral system. It also supported reforms to ensure that the UNSC aligns better with today’s global realities.

Concerns were raised about the impact of ongoing conflicts on countries in the Global South, particularly regarding energy and food insecurity, rising inflation, and increasing pressure on government budgets. The ministers condemned the Pahalgam terror attack and reiterated their stance on zero tolerance for terrorism.

Furthermore, they expressed a strong commitment to empowering women and girls, aiming to eliminate social and economic barriers they face. India, Brazil, and South Africa represent democratic nations across three different continents and share common interests as major emerging economies.

Jaishankar highlighted the necessity for balanced and fair trade to foster inclusive economic growth, which is vital for effectively addressing economic challenges. The foreign ministers also underscored the urgency of taking rapid action against climate change, which is causing more frequent and severe disasters, threatening sustainable development.

They supported tripling the renewable energy capacity in the Global South and advocated for doubling the pace of efficient energy use worldwide. The ministers encouraged the increased use of sustainable fuels, including biofuels, biogas, and low-carbon hydrogen.