External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar raised significant concerns about women’s safety and crimes against women while addressing the Indian diaspora in Geneva on Friday. During his speech, he highlighted the recent tragic incident at Kolkata’s RG Kar Hospital, where a second-year postgraduate medical student was raped and murdered on August 9.
Jaishankar quoted Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s reflections on societal attitudes towards women, questioning whether similar precautions are extended to sons as they are to daughters. “I don’t think there can be a single person in the country who’s not outraged by what happened,” Jaishankar said, underscoring the widespread indignation felt across the nation.
The Minister acknowledged that women’s safety is a multifaceted issue in India, and while it is prevalent in many countries, this does not lessen its gravity. He recalled a statement from the Prime Minister’s speech at the Red Fort, which questioned the differential treatment of daughters and sons.
Jaishankar said, “Ensuring the safety and security of women is a very, very big issue,” adding that public opinion overwhelmingly supports action on this matter.
Expressing his profound outrage over the incident, Jaishankar chose to avoid political discussions beyond the country but affirmed the collective anger shared by those present at his speech.
Jaishankar’s visit to Geneva, which spans from September 12 to 13, included meetings with heads and representatives of international organizations, reflecting India’s active engagement with global bodies.
(ANI)