At the United Nations headquarters on September 28, 2024, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar actively participated in ministerial meetings with three significant regional groups aimed at bolstering cooperation with India. His engagements included chairing the BIMSTEC (Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation) meeting and co-chairing discussions with Latin American and Caribbean groups.
In the BIMSTEC meeting, Jaishankar addressed essential topics in preparation for the upcoming leaders’ summit scheduled to be hosted by Thailand. He noted on X that the ministers reviewed their close collaboration across various sectors, including health, food security, trade, investment, economy, and energy.
Reiterating India’s commitment to wider engagement with BIMSTEC, Jaishankar emphasised the alignment with India’s strategic initiatives: ‘Neighbourhood First’, ‘Vision SAGAR’, and ‘Act East Policy’. He stated that the meeting also aimed to enhance physical, maritime, and digital connectivity in the region while exploring opportunities for capacity building and strengthening people-to-people ties. The ministers collectively affirmed their dedication to the BIMSTEC Centres of Excellence, reinforcing their commitment to socio-economic development through technical and educational collaboration.
Following the BIMSTEC meeting, Jaishankar co-chaired the India-CARICOM Foreign Ministers meeting with Dominica’s Foreign Minister Vince Henderson. He highlighted on X the discussions surrounding the enhancement of partnerships in health, IT, FinTech, capacity building, renewable energy, and food security. Jaishankar remarked that the bonds with CARICOM, which comprises 15 member states including Guyana, Suriname, and Trinidad, are deeply rooted in shared experiences and aspirations for a brighter future.
Jaishankar also co-chaired the India-CELAC (Community of Latin American and Caribbean States) Foreign Ministers Meeting with Honduras Foreign Minister Enrique Reina. The agenda covered critical topics such as Digital Public Infrastructure, health, clean energy, and capacity building. He noted the potential for greater engagement in fields like artificial intelligence, e-mobility, space technology, smart agriculture, and drones, stating that these discussions promote South-South cooperation and a shared commitment to reformed multilateralism.
EAM Jaishankar continued his engagements with various leaders from around the world. His discussions with Turkmenistan’s Deputy Prime Minister Rasit Meredow centred on expanding friendly ties, while he valued the insights of Uzbekistan’s Foreign Minister Bakhtiyor Saidov regarding regional dynamics.
In talks with the United Arab Emirates Foreign Minister Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed, Jaishankar explored their bilateral ties and current global events. His meeting with Romania’s Foreign Minister Luminita Odobescu involved discussions on growing cooperation in tourism, defence, and mobility, alongside exchanging views on the situation in Ukraine.
Furthermore, Ukraine was a key topic in discussions with Denmark’s Foreign Minister Lars Lokke Rasmussen. In his dialogue with the Netherlands Foreign Minister Caspar Veldkamp, Jaishankar reported a very open and positive conversation about strategic issues facing both countries. Discussions with North Macedonia’s Foreign Minister Timco Mucunski revolved around investment, connectivity, and regional cooperation, while he also met with Singapore’s Foreign Minister Vivian Balakrishnan to strengthen bilateral ties.
Through these engagements at the UNGA, EAM Jaishankar is reinforcing India’s commitment to enhancing its diplomatic relationships and fostering international cooperation across multiple sectors. These meetings not only reflect India’s proactive stance in global diplomacy but also its dedication to regional and international partnerships aimed at addressing shared challenges and advancing mutual interests.