External Affairs Minister (EAM) S. Jaishankar held a series of high-level meetings with foreign ministers and officials from various regions, including Europe, Asia, and Latin America, on the sidelines of the United Nations high-level sessions. The discussions focused on strengthening bilateral relations, addressing global and regional challenges, and exploring areas of mutual cooperation. Jaishankar’s meetings highlighted India’s growing diplomatic engagement on the international stage, as the EAM exchanged views on geopolitical issues, trade, climate action, and regional stability.
Strengthening Ties with France
EAM Jaishankar commenced his diplomatic engagements with a meeting with Jean-Noel Barro, the newly appointed Foreign Minister of France. India and France share a robust strategic partnership, with cooperation extending across defence, technology, climate action, and trade. Jaishankar described the meeting as a “useful exchange of views on major regional issues.” Barro, appointed by Prime Minister Michel Barnier after recent snap elections, represents a key ally for India in Europe, given the close diplomatic and strategic ties between the two nations.
Engagements with European Union and Spain
Jaishankar also met with Wopke Hoekstra, the European Union Commissioner for Climate Action. The two discussed enhancing India-European Union relations, particularly in the fields of geopolitics, climate, and business. Hoekstra expressed his eagerness to work closely with India to deepen the partnership, which has been steadily advancing with a focus on sustainability, trade, and political cooperation.
Spain’s Foreign Minister, Jose Manuel Albares, underscored India’s significance as a global actor and priority partner for Spain. Their discussions encompassed bilateral relations, trade, cultural exchanges, and pressing international issues, including the Middle East, Ukraine, and the Indo-Pacific region. The dialogue reflects Spain’s strategic interest in expanding ties with India amid evolving geopolitical dynamics.
Malta and Cyprus: Exploring Bilateral Opportunities
Meeting with Malta’s Deputy Prime Minister Ian Borg, Jaishankar discussed the upcoming Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in Samoa and deliberated on how member states can address global and regional challenges, such as sustainable development and human rights protection. The two leaders also explored avenues to enhance trade relations between India and Malta, highlighting the potential for further intensifying cooperation in mutually beneficial areas.
In his discussion with Cyprus Foreign Minister Constantinos Kombos, EAM Jaishankar focused on ongoing developments in West Asia and their broader implications. This conversation reflects India’s active diplomatic engagement in the region, which remains pivotal for global security and economic stability.
Expanding Partnerships with Moldova and Bolivia
Jaishankar’s meeting with Moldova’s Deputy Prime Minister Mihai Popsoi revolved around strengthening partnerships in key sectors, including pharmaceuticals, health, education, and trade. Moldova, a neighbour of war-torn Ukraine, has been significantly affected by the regional conflict, adding urgency to discussions on cooperation and capacity-building.
Bolivia’s Foreign Minister Celinda Sosa Lunda also engaged with Jaishankar to explore advancing bilateral cooperation. The talks highlighted the steady progression of India-Bolivia relations, which have expanded across multiple dimensions, including trade, culture, and development.
Dialogue with Guyana and Yemen: Focusing on Diaspora and Stability
In a significant meeting with Hugh Hilton Todd, the Foreign Minister of Guyana, EAM Jaishankar emphasised the importance of India-Guyana ties, buoyed by a large Indian diaspora in the South American country. Both leaders noted the steady growth of their partnership across various sectors, reflecting the deep cultural and historical links that bind the two nations.
Jaishankar also engaged in a critical discussion with Yemen’s Vice President Aidaros Alzubidi, focusing on overlapping interests in regional stability and maritime security, particularly in the Red Sea. Yemen’s strategic location and ongoing civil conflict pose significant challenges to shipping and regional stability. Alzubidi acknowledged India’s crucial role on the global stage and expressed his intent to strengthen ties with New Delhi. Jaishankar assured him of India’s support for a peaceful, stable, and prosperous Yemen.
Conclusion
EAM S. Jaishankar’s meetings on the sidelines of the UN high-level sessions underscore India’s proactive diplomatic outreach aimed at bolstering bilateral ties and addressing shared challenges. From Europe to Latin America and the Middle East, Jaishankar’s engagements reflect India’s growing influence and commitment to fostering international partnerships. These dialogues not only enhance bilateral relations but also contribute to shaping India’s role in addressing global and regional issues in an increasingly interconnected world.