The values of forgiveness, compassion and inclusivity embraced by late South African President Nelson Mandela are even more relevant today in the world which is "beset with conflicts, terror and hateful ideologies, External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj said at the United Nations.


Recalling India's strong bond with "Madiba", as Mandela was fondly addressed by people across the world, Swaraj said Indians consider him to be one of their own.


"We are proud to call him a Bharat Ratna, jewel of India," she said. "Nelson Mandela's life is an inspiration for all. He showed fearlessness and courage in the face of discrimination and adversity," Swaraj said at the Nelson Mandela Peace Summit held Monday, a day before the start of the General Debate of the 73rd session of the General Assembly.


Swaraj underscored that the values of forgiveness, compassion and inclusiveness of society, espoused by Mandela, are needed now more than ever in the current turbulent times around the world.


The focus of the Nelson Mandela Peace Summit is on Global Peace in honour of Mandela's birth centenary. Swaraj said the world today is "beset with conflicts, terror and hateful ideologies that are transcending borders and impacting our lives."


She emphasised that no one should be allowed to support terror or its perpetration. "Our collective survival as a global familty requires that the wisdom of pioneering leaders such as Mandela should remain as our moral compass," she said.


Mandela was honoured with the Bharat Ratna, India's highest civilian award in 1990. He is among only two non-Indians to be conferred with the honour. Khan Abdul Ghaffar Khan was awarded the Bharat Ratna in 1987.