India, EU & Canada unite to defend multilateralism; express concern over power politics

India joined EU, Canada, Australia and several other countries in co-sponsoring a declaration expressing a joint commitment to multilateralism, international law, peace and prosperity, while expressing concern over escalating conflicts, trade disruption, power politics protectionism and coercion.The declaration followed the announcement of a new initiative titled Partners for Multilateralism (P4M) on the margins of UN General Assembly that aims to make multilateral bodies more “representative, effective, legitimate and trusted” through middle-power cooperation, amid growing fragmentation and violations of international law.Drawing attention to geopolitical tensions, conflicts and extreme competition, foreign minister S Jaishankar said multilateralism will be best served when international law, rules, and norms are scrupulously observed.