S. Jaishankar Engages with Global Leaders at UN General Assembly: Key Discussions Unveiled

High-Level Meetings at the UN

United Nations: Each year, foreign ministers from various nations gather for the high-level session of the United Nations General Assembly, and India's External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar took this chance to engage with many of them.

On Tuesday, he held individual meetings with nearly a dozen ministers, covering topics such as development, international cooperation, and the ongoing Ukraine conflict.

Additionally, he convened a high-level meeting for 'Like-Minded Global South Countries', where several ministers participated.

As India seeks to enhance its collaboration with the European Union, Jaishankar met with Denmark's Foreign Minister Lars Lokke Rasmussen, who currently holds the presidency, to discuss India-EU relations.

In a post on X, Jaishankar expressed appreciation for Rasmussen's insights regarding recent developments in Europe and the Ukraine situation.

He also discussed 'European strategic positioning and India's approach' with the Netherlands Foreign Minister David van Weel, as noted on X.

Among the attendees were two foreign ministers from South Asia.

Sri Lanka's Foreign Minister Vijitha Herath mentioned on X that their meeting reaffirmed the 'strong friendship and close cooperation' between their nations.

Jaishankar stated they reviewed the progress of their bilateral relations.

Following his discussion with Maldives Foreign Minister Abdulla Khaleel, Jaishankar affirmed, 'Our support to Maldives' development remains steadfast.'

With Mauritius Foreign Minister Dhananjay Ritish Ramful, he talked about the follow-up on Prime Minister Navin Ramgoolam's recent 'successful' state visit to India.

Jamaica's Foreign Minister Kamina J. Smith expressed on X that it is 'always a great pleasure to speak' with Jaishankar, congratulating her on her re-appointment and looking forward to strengthening their partnership.

After the Labour Party's victory in recent elections, Smith was sworn in last week.

Jaishankar appreciated the 'warm words for our ties' from Suriname's Foreign Minister Melvin Bouva.

Somalia's Foreign Minister Abdisalam Ali expressed his happiness about meeting Jaishankar.

The EAM also had a brief conversation with Singapore's Foreign Minister Vivian Balakrishnan during the Like-Minded Global South Countries' meeting.

He met with Foreign Minister Lejone Mpotjoana of Lesotho and Alva Baptiste of St Lucia as well.

Although not a minister, Sultan Ahmed Bin Sulayem, the group chairman and CEO of DP World, also had a discussion with Jaishankar.

Jaishankar shared on X that they had a productive conversation about current international economic developments and their impact on connectivity and logistics.

DP World operates globally, including in India, where it is working on a $510 million terminal project at Tuna Tekra in Gujarat.