New Delhi: The external affairs minister, S Jaishankar, is headed to New York for the 81st United Nations general assembly, where India is set to use the high-level week to engage with countries on major geopolitical and international issues, including ongoing conflicts, global cooperation, development and the future of multilateralism.
Jaishankar’s visit will centre on India’s participation in the UNGA’s high-level general debate from September 22 to 28, alongside a series of bilateral and multilateral meetings with foreign ministers and other senior leaders. The engagements will give New Delhi an opportunity to present its positions on pressing global developments and discuss issues of direct importance to India and the wider Global South.
The general debate is being held under the theme “Restoring trust, managing transformation: A United Nations that delivers for all”, with the 193 UN member states expected to outline their priorities on international peace and security, economic and social development, climate change and humanitarian challenges.
The UNGA comes amid a complex global security environment, with conflicts and geopolitical tensions expected to feature prominently in discussions between world leaders. India is also likely to use its diplomatic engagements on the sidelines to discuss regional developments, bilateral ties and broader cooperation with partner countries.
Beyond the general debate, Jaishankar’s programme in New York is expected to involve multiple meetings on the margins of the UNGA. These interactions traditionally provide India with a platform to address specific bilateral concerns while also coordinating positions on wider international issues.
The visit also comes as the UN system faces questions over the effectiveness of multilateral institutions and international cooperation. The 81st session is expected to focus on efforts to revive global cooperation, advance the sustainable development goals and strengthen collective action on peace, dignity and equality.
Jaishankar arrived in Zurich on Sunday during his journey to the United States. ambassador of India to Switzerland and Liechtenstein Mridul Kumar received him at Zurich airport and briefed him on developments involving India, Switzerland and Liechtenstein, according to the embassy of India.
The transit stop follows recent high-level engagement between India and Switzerland and Liechtenstein. While Zurich is not the main destination of Jaishankar’s current visit, the briefing provided an opportunity to discuss developments in India’s relations with the two European countries before he continued towards New York.
The UNGA gathering will bring presidents, prime ministers and senior representatives from across the world to the UN headquarters. UN secretary general, Antonio Guterres, has urged leaders to strengthen international dialogue and collective action ahead of the session.
“This is my last UNGA as secretary general,” Guterres said in a video message, calling for greater international cooperation to address global challenges. His tenure is scheduled to conclude later this year.
The general assembly will also take place amid the ongoing process to select Guterres’ successor. Al Jazeera reported that former Chilean president, Michelle Bachelet, has withdrawn from the race, ending her campaign to become the first woman to serve as UN secretary general.