EAM S. Jaishankar to Address UN General Assembly’s 80th Session

External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar is scheduled to deliver India’s address at the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) on Saturday. This marks his role as the primary speaker for India during the high-level General Debate. Jaishankar’s address, set for September 27, coincides with the UNGA80, themed “Better Together: 80 Years and More for Peace, Development and Human Rights.” The anniversary is observed amid global challenges including conflicts, climate issues, and economic instability. Before Jaishankar’s address, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov is also scheduled to speak during the same session. Since arriving in New York, the EAM has participated in numerous multilateral and bilateral meetings. These include a meeting with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, where both officials reaffirmed commitment to strengthening India-US relations and promoting an open Indo-Pacific region through the Quad. Rubio also acknowledged India’s contributions to various sectors such as trade, energy, and critical minerals. Additionally, Jaishankar met with US Ambassador to India-designate Sergio Gor to discuss advancing the bilateral relationship between the two countries. He also attended a special informal meeting of European Union Foreign Ministers, led by EU High Representative Kaja Kallas, which encompassed discussions with ministers from Brazil and Mexico on global issues like multilateralism, the India-EU partnership, the Ukraine conflict, the Gaza situation, energy, and trade. Moreover, he hosted a High-Level Meeting of Like-Minded Global South Countries, focusing on enhancing collaboration and engagement among developing nations. Furthermore, Jaishankar hosted the second L69 and C10 Joint Ministerial in New York on Wednesday, emphasizing the Global South’s collective efforts to reform the United Nations Security Council. Subsequently, he hosted the Foreign Ministers Meeting (FMM) of the Forum for India-Pacific Islands Cooperation (FIPIC), highlighting the progress of a 12-point action plan. The meeting emphasized India’s role in development partnerships with Pacific Island nations, with a focus on health, technology, capacity building, and training. On Thursday, he joined counterparts from Japan, Germany, and Brazil at the G4 Foreign Ministers’ Meeting, reiterating their commitment to UN reform. The expansion of the Security Council and the ongoing Inter-Governmental Negotiation (IGN) process were discussed. On Friday, Jaishankar hosted a meeting of BRICS Foreign Ministers, underscoring the bloc’s importance in promoting multilateralism. Earlier, he met with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, discussing bilateral relations and developments in Ukraine and the Middle East.