Addressing the UN General Assembly, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar called out nations (without naming any) that interfere with internal affairs of others.

“We must never again allow an injustice like vaccine apartheid to recur. Climate Action too cannot continue to witness an evasion of historical responsibilities. The power of markets should not be utilised to steer food and energy from the needy to the wealthy”, Jaishankar said.

Mr. Jaishankar’s remarks have been interpreted as a gentle jab at both Canada and Pakistan.

“Nor must we countenance that political convenience determines responses to terrorism, extremism and violence. Similarly, respect for territorial integrity and non-interference in internal affairs cannot be exercises in cherry-picking. When reality departs from rhetoric, we must have the courage to call it out”, he added.

During his speech at the 78th UNGA, the minister called for a fair, equitable and democratic world order.

The external affairs minister also spoke on the Women’s Reservation Bill, recently passed in Parliament.