External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Thursday discussed the deteriorating situation in Sudan with UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres and underlined the need for “successful diplomacy” that could lead to an early ceasefire and lay the groundwork for the safety and well-being of the people. .
Jaishankar, who met Guterres at the UN headquarters here, also discussed with the UN chief India’s chairmanship of the G20 and Ukraine dispute, among other issues.
Nice to meet UN Secretary-General @antonioguterres in New York this afternoon. Discussed current developments in Sudan, G20 Presidency and Ukraine.
“The focus was on Sudan. India strongly supports efforts towards a ceasefire leading to the creation of safe corridors. Will continue to work closely with the United Nations and other partners in this regard.
Jaishankar is embarking on a nine-day visit to Guyana, Panama, Colombia and the Dominican Republic from Friday, his first visit to these Latin American countries and the Caribbean as External Affairs Minister.
Before his trip to Latin America, he arrived in New York.
He said that his trip to South America was planned some time ago, but he came here to the UN mainly because after the fighting started on April 14 (in Sudan) you could immediately see that it was very serious. and a lot of people were trapped by the situation.
“We knew that the United Nations has a large presence in Sudan. It will be central. Because this is the need of the hour for diplomacy, successful diplomacy because it is only diplomacy that can create the groundwork for the security and well-being of the people there.” .
Jaishankar said that he had a “very good meeting” with Guterres, adding that after fighting broke out in Sudan, “I thought it was very important” that he meet UN Secretary-General Guterres.
“Most of our meeting was on the situation in Sudan. We also actually discussed the G20 and we spent some time on the Ukraine conflict. But essentially it was about the situation in Sudan, he said.
Jaishankar said that in Sudan, the United Nations is at the “center of efforts” to establish a ceasefire.
“And it’s really important because at this point in time, until there is a ceasefire and until the corridors are in place, it’s really not safe for people to move out,” he said.
“The United Nations is talking to everyone. Jaishankar said, of course we have a very keen interest in this matter because there are so many Indians.
According to the World Health Organisation, around 300 people, including one Indian, have been killed and over 3,000 injured in the conflicts in Sudan. Violence erupted on Saturday between Sudan’s army and the paramilitary Rapid Support Force (RSF).
Jaishankar said New Delhi is in touch with several countries and has spoken to Saudi Arabian Foreign Minister Faisal bin Farhan and UAE Foreign Minister Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan.
“We are in touch with the Americans, I am also in touch with my British counterpart,” he said.
Earlier this morning, he had a “lengthy conversation” with Egypt’s Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry about Sudan being a neighbor and “strong interest and strong understanding”.
“So, the focus is really on how do you get the diplomatic processes going to get the desired outcome. The desired outcome is a practical, on-the-ground observed ceasefire. And then to take the next step, you How to make corridors for movement, what are the options for movement, what are the assembly points,” Jaishankar said.
Meanwhile, the team in New Delhi is in “constant touch” with Indians in Sudan, advising them, “We know this is very difficult for everyone, but stay calm, don’t take unnecessary risks.” That they will have to wait for its solution.
“I am hopeful that very soon there will be some results including the efforts led by the Secretary General. But we will have to wait and see.”
Earlier today, Guterres officiated a meeting convened by the African Union, which brought together the United Nations, the League of Arab States, IGAD, on the “dramatic situation” in Sudan. [The Intergovernmental Authority on Development] and the European Union, as well as representatives from a number of countries who are deeply committed to resolving the crisis.
“There was a strong consensus on condemning the ongoing fighting in Sudan and calling for an end to hostilities. As an immediate priority, I appeal for a ceasefire for at least three days, marking Eid al-Fitr celebrations, to allow civilians trapped in conflict zones to flee and receive medical treatment, food and other essential supplies to allow,” Guterres told reporters here.
Jaishankar said that attempts were made even before the ceasefire, which failed. “What they (UN SG) told me was encouraging with regard to those who are still trapped because … as they said it is more important than ever that this ceasefire lasts. We hope so too.”
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(This story has not been edited by News18 staff and is published from a syndicated news agency feed)