External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar met United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Monday, at the UN Headquarters in New York. During their meeting, Jaishankar and Guterres discussed how India’s G20 Presidency has contributed to strengthening the UN’s sustainable development agenda.
India recently hosted the G20 Summit in Delhi on September 9-10 at Bharat Mandapam in the national capital. Earlier in the day, Jaishankar also had a meeting with United Nations General Assembly President Dennis Francis. During their discussion, Jaishankar and Francis emphasized the importance of reforming multilateralism and ensuring that the Global South’s concerns are duly considered in today’s critical global issues.
Jaishankar took to X (formerly known as Twitter) to share updates on these meetings. He mentioned that he appreciated UNSG Guterres’ strong commitment to reforming International Financial Institutions and highlighted India’s contribution to the UN’s sustainable development agenda through its G20 Presidency.
After meeting Jaishankar, the UNGA president said the meeting focussed on key issues and priorities, including the UNSC reforms.
Francis on X posted, “Delighted to meet External Affairs Minister of India, H.E. @DrSJaishankar. Congratulated India’s successful #G20 Chairmanship, especially on India’s unwavering advocacy in support of the Global South. Discussed #UNGA78 priorities and key issues, including UNSC reform and building on the outcomes of the #SDGSummit ahead of the Summit of the Future.”
EAM Jaishankar also held discussions with his counterpart from Madagascar, Yvette Sylla. During their meeting, the two leaders explored avenues for development partnership, enhancing millet and rice production, facilitating digital delivery, and bolstering defense cooperation.
In a post shared on X (formerly known as Twitter), Jaishankar expressed, “Had a cordial meeting with our valued SAGAR partner, FM of Madagascar, Yvette Sylla today. We discussed various aspects of our development partnership, strategies for promoting millet and rice production, advancing digital delivery mechanisms, and strengthening defense collaboration.”
Madagascar is among India’s key SAGAR partners. Launched in 2020, Mission SAGAR is a global initiative akin to the Sagar doctrine. It was initiated by India to provide relief aid to Indian Ocean countries during the COVID-19 pandemic, and it encompasses countries like Maldives, Mauritius, Madagascar, Comoros, and Seychelles.
Jaishankar’s presence in New York is as the leader of the Indian delegation for the UNGA session. As per an official statement from the Ministry of External Affairs, he is scheduled to deliver an address at the United Nations General Assembly on September 26. Following his engagements in New York, he will proceed with his visit to Washington, DC.
Jaishankar’s visit to New York is in the capacity of leading the Indian delegation for the UNGA session. He is scheduled to address the United Nations General Assembly on September 26, as per the Ministry of External Affairs. Following his engagements in New York, he will proceed to Washington, DC