Indian Minister of External Affairs Subrahmanyam Jaishankar addresses the 81st United Nations General Assembly at UN headquarters in New York City, US, September 26, 2026 (Image-United Nations)
New York | September 27, 2026
External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar addressed the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York, calling for restraint and de-escalation amid conflicts in the Gulf, Ukraine and West Asia, while emphasizing the need to protect civilians and maintain the global flow of food, energy and commerce.
Opening his address, Jaishankar extended greetings from India, saying, “Namaskar from 1.4 billion people of Bharat.” He noted that the United Nations was entering its ninth decade and recalled that the organization was founded with the central objective of maintaining international peace and security.
Yet, he said, conflicts and confrontations continue to dominate the international agenda.
Jaishankar argued that in an increasingly interconnected world, the consequences of wars are no longer confined to the countries directly involved. Countries far from conflict zones can face disruptions to energy supplies, food security, trade and economic stability.
India Raises Alarm Over Gulf Conflict
One of the central concerns highlighted by Jaishankar was the conflict in the Gulf.
He said the fighting was worsening an already difficult international situation and called on all parties to exercise restraint and work toward de-escalation.
India also expressed concern about attacks affecting commercial shipping and seafarers travelling through international waterways. Jaishankar described the targeting of commercial shipping and seafarers as unacceptable and called for the uninterrupted movement of energy and commerce.
The issue is particularly significant for India because the country has a large community of citizens working in the global maritime industry and remains heavily dependent on international trade and energy routes.
Jaishankar said civilians must be protected and stressed that global supply chains should not become additional casualties of regional conflicts.
Ukraine War Remains a Major Concern
Jaishankar also addressed the war in Ukraine, which he described as being in its fifth year.
He said the continuation of the conflict remained a matter of concern for India and emphasized the need for diplomatic efforts aimed at bringing the fighting to an end.
India has consistently advocated dialogue and diplomacy in relation to the Ukraine conflict while maintaining diplomatic relations with both Moscow and Kyiv.
Jaishankar also highlighted the wider consequences of the war, particularly for food, grain and energy supplies.
He pointed to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's earlier call for “an end to war” and said efforts toward peace should continue.
The Indian position reflects New Delhi's broader argument that conflicts involving major powers can have consequences far beyond their immediate geographical areas.
Two-State Solution for West Asia
Turning to West Asia, Jaishankar said India remained concerned about continuing violence and reiterated support for a durable political settlement.
He said a lasting peace requires a two-state solution, alongside humanitarian assistance for Palestinians.
India has long maintained support for the creation of a sovereign, independent and viable Palestinian state living alongside Israel in peace and security.
The issue comes as fighting and instability continue across parts of the region, with the conflicts in Gaza and the wider confrontation involving Iran contributing to heightened international concern.
Jaishankar called for civilian protection and humanitarian access while emphasizing the importance of a political process capable of producing lasting peace.
“Countries Far From Conflicts Are Being Penalised”
A recurring theme of Jaishankar's speech was the unequal global impact of conflicts.
He argued that countries distant from wars are increasingly facing economic and security consequences despite having no direct role in those conflicts.
“Countries far from conflicts are being penalised for no fault of theirs. Those most impacted often have the least say,” Jaishankar said, according to reporting on his address.
The comment reflects India's broader push for a more representative international system in which developing countries have a greater role in decisions affecting global security and the international economy.
India has also continued to call for reforms to the United Nations Security Council, arguing that its composition should better reflect contemporary geopolitical realities.
Terrorism Also Features in Jaishankar’s Message
Jaishankar's address also contained a strong message on terrorism, particularly in the context of India's relations with Pakistan.
Without naming Pakistan in one portion of his remarks, he referred to what he called a “serial practitioner of terrorism” that had misrepresented facts before the General Assembly.
He warned against attempts to normalize terrorism or claim immunity from its consequences and said India would exercise its right to defend itself against terrorism.
The remarks came a day after Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif raised Kashmir and other bilateral issues during his own UNGA address.
India and Pakistan have continued to present sharply different positions on terrorism, Kashmir and regional security at international forums.
A Call for a More Effective Multilateral System
Beyond individual conflicts, Jaishankar's address reflected India's broader argument that the international system needs to become more effective in responding to today's challenges.
The minister has repeatedly called for stronger multilateralism, reforms to international institutions and greater representation for the Global South.
His UNGA speech linked those concerns to the immediate consequences of war, arguing that international institutions must do more to prevent conflicts and protect countries that suffer indirect consequences.
With wars and geopolitical tensions affecting energy markets, shipping routes, food supplies and global trade, India is positioning itself as a voice for restraint, dialogue and greater predictability in international relations.
Jaishankar's address therefore combined calls for de-escalation in current conflicts with a broader appeal for reforms to the international system.
As the UN enters its ninth decade, his central message was that peace and security cannot be treated as regional concerns alone. In an interconnected world, the consequences of war extend far beyond the battlefield—and international institutions must respond accordingly.
