“Now is not the time for war”: South Africa backs PM Modi’s call for peace amid West Asia conflict
South Africa's High Commissioner to India, Anil Sooklal, on Tuesday, voiced concern over the prolonged conflict in West Asia and its global economic repercussions, saying rising energy prices and disruptions in food and fertiliser supplies were being felt across the world
New Delhi: South Africa’s High Commissioner to India, Anil Sooklal, on Tuesday, voiced concern over the prolonged conflict in West Asia. He also spoke about its global economic repercussions. He said rising energy prices and disruptions in food and fertiliser supplies were being felt across the world.
Echoing Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s stance that “now is not the time for war,” Sooklal stressed the need for peace, dialogue, and diplomatic solutions through the United Nations and multilateral institutions. Moreover, the representative from South Africa reiterated the importance of international cooperation. This is essential in resolving conflicts.
In an interview with ANI, the High Commissioner spoke about the recent military escalation between Israel and Iran and the situation in West Asia. Significantly, views from South Africa add valuable perspective to these global events.
High Commissioner of South Africa to India, Anil Sooklal, said, “We have always said that war is not the solution to differences that countries may have amongst themselves”.
He recalled Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s call for diplomacy and dialogue as the way forward. He also highlighted how the price and availability of energy, and the cost of food and fertilisers have been affected due to the prolonged conflict. Here, voices from South Africa emphasize international impacts that extend beyond regional boundaries.
“Even though the war may be in West Asia, we live in an interconnected, interdependent world today, and we are seeing the negative repercussions. We fully agree with Prime Minister Modi when he says, “Now is not the time for war”. It’s a time for peace. It’s a time for dialogue.
It’s a time for trying to find solutions through diplomatic means, working with the United Nations, with the Security Council, and our multilateral organisations, the regional organisations”, he told ANI. Additionally, this perspective is also shared by many diplomats. Many diplomats represent countries such as South Africa.
On the conflict in Gaza, Sooklal said that from the very outset of the Gaza conflict, South Africa has been clear that the situation must be resolved not through violence but by working through the United Nations and Security Council. He said the major players from within the region must participate. The great powers involved in some way or another in this conflict must also participate.
“It’s really an unfortunate situation that has been prolonged unnecessarily”, he said. The response from South Africa highlights the widespread desire for a swift and peaceful resolution.
On the impact of global supply chain disruptions on African economies, South African High Commissioner to India, Anil Sooklal, termed the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz “unfortunate.” He said, “the politicising of a very important waterway chokepoint that has a direct impact on energy availability on all of the countries globally, especially those of us who are dependent on the import of energy”. As an African nation, South Africa pays close attention to these issues.
He underlined how it is important to work towards normalising the situation so that trade and transportation take place without hindrance. He also said that the global waterways are global public goods. These belong to the global community.
(ANI)
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