On Thursday, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar spoke with UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres about the deteriorating situation in Sudan and emphasized the need of “successful diplomacy” that may result in an early ceasefire and establish the conditions necessary for people’s safety and wellbeing.
When Jaishankar and Guterres met at the UN’s headquarters in this city, they also spoke about other topics, such as the Ukraine situation and India’s G20 chairmanship.
It was nice to see UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres in New York today in the late afternoon. discussed the G20 Presidency, Ukraine, and Sudan’s recent events,” he tweeted.
“It was obvious why Sudan was the focus. India enthusiastically backs attempts to quickly end hostilities and provide safe passageways. Will continue to collaborate closely in this area with the UN and other partners,” he added.
Beginning on Friday, Jaishankar will embark on a nine-day tour to Guyana, Panama, Colombia, and the Dominican Republic. This will be his first trip to these nations as the foreign affairs minister in the Caribbean and Latin America.
He came first in New York before setting out for Latin America.
Though he acknowledged that his journey to South America had been planned for some time, he said he “came here to the UN mainly because once the fighting started (in Sudan) on the 14th (of April), you could immediately see that this was very serious and a lot of people were trapped by the situation.”
“We were aware of the UN’s substantial presence in Sudan. The focal point will be this. Since only effective diplomacy can create the conditions necessary for the safety and welfare of the people overseas, diplomacy is now what is required, Jaishankar told a small group of media here after his meeting with Guterres.
Jaishankar said that he had a “very good meeting” with Guterres and stated that after the conflict in Sudan began, “I felt that it was very important” that he meet with him.
“The Sudan crisis took up the most of our meeting. Naturally, we also spoke about the G20 and spent some time talking about the war in Ukraine. But ultimately, he said, it was about the Sudanese predicament.
According to Jaishankar, the United Nations is at “the heart of the efforts” to achieve a truce in Sudan.
And that is incredibly important, he said, “because right now it is not safe for people to really come out unless there is a ceasefire and unless there are corridors.”
“The UN is speaking to everyone as part of its role. Because there are so many Indians there, we have a very deep interest in the situation, Jaishankar said.
According to the World Health Organization, fighting in Sudan has resulted in the deaths of almost 300 people, including one Indian, and more than 3,000 injuries. On Saturday, fighting broke out between the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) and the Sudanese army.
Jaishankar said that New Delhi is in contact with a number of nations and that he has talked to the foreign ministers of the UAE, Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, and Saudi Arabia, Faisal bin Farhan.
We have spoken with the Americans, and I have spoken with my British colleague as well, he said.
He had a “long conversation” with Egypt’s foreign minister Sameh Shoukry earlier this morning since Egypt and Sudan are neighbors and have a “strong interest and strong understanding.”
“Therefore, the main concern is how to make diplomatic procedures produce the desired outcome. A practical, on-the-ground observed ceasefire is the intended outcome. The next phase is to figure out how to construct pathways for mobility, what alternatives there are for movement, and where the assembly sites are, according to Jaishankar.
While this is going on, the New Delhi team is in “continuous touch” with the Indians in Sudan, giving them advice and reminding them to remain composed and avoid needless risk-taking. He responded that they would have to wait for this to resolve itself.
“I’m hoping that the initiatives, especially those being spearheaded by the Secretary General, will shortly result in something. Jaishankar remarked, “But we’ll just have to wait and see.
Earlier today, Guterres attended a meeting on the “dramatic situation” in Sudan that was called by the African Union. Participants included the UN, the League of Arab States, IGAD (The Intergovernmental Authority on Development), the European Union, and a number of nations that are steadfastly committed to finding a solution.
“There was broad agreement to denounce the continued bloodshed in Sudan and demand an end to hostilities. In order to give people caught in combat zones a chance to flee and seek medical attention, food, and other necessities, I call for a truce to last for at least three days, honoring the celebration of Eid al-Fitr, Guterres told reporters.
There have been prior cease-fire efforts, according to Jaishankar, but they failed. “What he (UN SG) stated to me was reassuring in regards to the people who are now besieged because…as he said…it’s more crucial than ever before that this truce hold. We also hope so.
