NEW DELHI: The Russia-Ukraine conflict has heightened International concern and demonstrated that maintaining international peace and security can no longer be taken for granted, said Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, who spoke in Sri Lanka on Tuesday.

Jaishankar said during the ministerial meeting of the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC), "The world system is through a difficult period, probably the most difficult in recent memory. The issues posed by the Covid-19 epidemic have not yet subsided completely. However, recent events in Ukraine have heightened worldwide concern. We have all stated that maintaining international peace and security, as well as stability, cannot be taken for granted." From March 28 to March 30, Jaishankar will be in Sri Lanka.

He stated that BIMSTEC member countries must recognise that they are up against challenges, both from the global economy and, in some cases, from within their own economies.

The Bangkok Declaration, which was signed on June 6, 1997, founded BIMSTEC as a regional organisation. Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Myanmar, Nepal, Sri Lanka, and Thailand are all members of BIMSTEC.

Amid addition, Jaishankar stressed that in difficult times, member nations should strengthen internal capacities while simultaneously broadening and deepening BIMSTEC collaboration. "We need to collaborate more in a variety of areas; we need to collaborate more effectively and quickly. We must consolidate and expand on what we have accomplished over the last 25 years "he stated.

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