India presses for diplomacy, secure shipping and resilient trade as Jaishankar meets global counterparts at G20

New Delhi: The external affairs minister, S Jaishankar, urged G20 countries to prioritize diplomacy, protect commercial shipping and strengthen supply chains at talks in Atlanta, while meeting counterparts from Canada, Brazil, Argentina, Mexico and Germany. He also held discussions with the US secretary of state, Marco Rubio, and the European Union foreign policy chief, Kaja Kallas, as India highlighted the economic consequences of international conflicts, particularly for developing countries.

Addressing the first plenary session on Friday, Jaishankar warned that military solutions would not resolve global challenges and called for diplomacy to be given an opportunity. He urged an end to attacks on civilian vessels and seafarers under international law, particularly the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).

The disruptions, he said, were disproportionately hurting the Global South by threatening the availability and affordability of fuel, food and fertilizers. The concerns are particularly significant for India, whose energy imports and international trade depend heavily on secure maritime routes through West Asia and the Indian Ocean.

The Ministry of External Affairs said on Wednesday that 22 Indian nationals, including 14 seafarers, had died since the West Asia conflict began in February. India and Liberia launched the Group of Friends on Safety and Security of Shipping and Seafarers on September 25 and subsequently condemned attacks on commercial shipping in the Gulf and Black Sea.

Jaishankar also warned that attacks on energy infrastructure, restrictions at shipping chokepoints and unpredictable pricing were disrupting global fuel supplies. He stressed India’s need for reliable liquefied petroleum gas supplies for clean cooking, linking instability in international energy markets to domestic requirements.

He criticized restrictions on developing countries’ industrialization through weaponized supply chains, reduced market access and distorted trade. Calling for alternative connectivity and diversified supply networks, Jaishankar also warned that “tactical calculations should not lead to overlooking the dangers of terrorism”, without naming any country.

Canada trade negotiations gain momentum

Jaishankar’s meeting with the Canadian foreign minister, Anita Anand, brought renewed attention to a relationship recovering from recent diplomatic strains.
In an official X post, Anand said the ministers discussed the evolving geopolitical situation, negotiations towards a comprehensive trade agreement, regional security cooperation and opportunities to strengthen energy security and economic resilience.

According to Global Affairs Canada’s official readout, Anand welcomed progress towards concluding a comprehensive economic partnership agreement by the end of 2026.

The ministers also identified the prime minister, Narendra Modi’s planned December visit to Canada as another opportunity to advance their renewed strategic partnership and joint roadmap. The proposed trade agreement remains under negotiation.

The meeting followed Anand’s October 13-14 visit to India and reflected continuing efforts to rebuild bilateral cooperation through high-level engagements and expanded economic ties.

Latin America and European engagement

Jaishankar’s discussions with the Argentine foreign minister, Pablo Quirno, covered trade, critical minerals, defence, nuclear cooperation and multilateral issues. Argentina’s lithium resources are particularly relevant to India’s energy transition and efforts to diversify critical mineral supplies, although neither side announced a new agreement or investment.

With the Brazilian foreign minister, Mauro Vieira, Jaishankar discussed bilateral and global issues. Brazil remains an important Indian partner through BRICS, with cooperation extending across trade, agriculture, energy and multilateral governance.

His meeting with the Mexican foreign minister, Roberto Velasco Alvarez, focused on giving fresh momentum to bilateral relations. The broader economic relationship offers opportunities in pharmaceuticals, automotive manufacturing and supply-chain diversification.

Jaishankar also met the German foreign minister, Johann Wadephul. Germany is a major European economic partner for India, with bilateral cooperation spanning manufacturing, technology, defence and skilled mobility.

Separately, Jaishankar held discussions with the EU foreign policy chief, Kaja Kallas, on the Ukraine conflict and the situation in the Gulf. The engagement highlighted continuing diplomatic consultations with European partners on conflicts affecting regional security and international trade.

Jaishankar also met Rubio on the sidelines of the G20 foreign ministers’ meeting in Atlanta. In a post on X, he said, “Appreciated secretary Rubio’s hospitality in Atlanta for the G20 FMM. Took stock of our bilateral cooperation.” No specific agreements or new initiatives were announced after the meeting.

G20 divisions over Russia and global security

The diplomatic outreach unfolded against divisions within the G20 over Russia’s war in Ukraine and the conflict in West Asia.
The traditional group photograph was cancelled after several European representatives objected to appearing alongside the Russian foreign minister, Sergey Lavrov, Reuters reported. The German foreign minister, Wadephul, said relations with Moscow could not be treated as normal.

The disagreements have also complicated efforts to produce a joint communique, with a chair’s statement expected instead.

The Atlanta ministerial, hosted by Rubio, precedes the G20 Leaders’ Summit scheduled for December 14-15 in Miami.