India’s EAM Jaishankar to Speak at UNGA80, Focusing on Global Issues

The External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar is slated to address the 80th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) on Saturday, representing India in the high-level General Debate. His speech on September 27 is part of UNGA80, which commemorates the UN’s 80th anniversary, themed “Better Together: 80 Years and More for Peace, Development and Human Rights.” The session takes place against a backdrop of global challenges. Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov will also speak during the same session before Jaishankar. During his visit to New York, Jaishankar has been engaged in various multilateral and bilateral meetings. He met with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio to reinforce the commitment to India-US ties and the Quad’s role in the Indo-Pacific. Rubio also acknowledged India’s involvement in trade, energy, and critical minerals. Further discussions occurred with US Ambassador to India-designate Sergio Gor to enhance the bilateral relationship. Jaishankar also participated in a meeting of European Union Foreign Ministers, hosted by Kaja Kallas, with Brazil and Mexico’s ministers to address multilateralism, the India-EU partnership, the Ukraine conflict, the Gaza situation, energy, and trade. He also organized a High-Level Meeting of Like-Minded Global South Countries, concentrating on collaboration among developing nations. The second L69 and C10 Joint Ministerial, hosted by Jaishankar on Wednesday in New York, highlighted the Global South’s goal of UN Security Council reform. He subsequently hosted the Foreign Ministers Meeting (FMM) of the Forum for India-Pacific Islands Cooperation (FIPIC), focusing on India’s 12-point action plan and emphasizing India’s development partnerships with Pacific Island nations, with a focus on health, technology, capacity building, and training. He also joined with Japan, Germany and Brazil at the G4 Foreign Ministers’ Meeting, reiterating their commitment to reforming the United Nations. Jaishankar also discussed the expansion of the Security Council. The meeting of BRICS Foreign Ministers, hosted by Jaishankar, highlighted its role in promoting multilateralism. He also met with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov to discuss bilateral relations and the ongoing situations in Ukraine and the Middle East.