Ahead of the high-level week at the United Nations General Assembly in New York, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar conducted a series of diplomatic meetings with international counterparts on September 21. During his discussion with Nauru President David Adeang, Jaishankar reaffirmed India’s unwavering commitment as a key development partner to the South Pacific nation, which has previously benefited from various initiatives via the India-UN Development Partnership Fund. He also met with Moldova’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mihai Popsoi to review bilateral growth across political, economic, and educational sectors, alongside exchanging perspectives on the ongoing Ukraine conflict.
Economic Partnerships and European Cooperation:
Economic ties took center stage during Jaishankar’s meeting with Swiss Foreign Minister Ignazio Cassis, where both leaders evaluated strengthening commercial bonds following the implementation of the India-European Free Trade Association (EFTA) Trade and Economic Partnership Agreement. Furthermore, Jaishankar held discussions with Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha regarding recent developments, and met with French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot, Ecuador’s Foreign Minister Roberto Kury, Slovak Foreign Minister Juraj Blanar, and Hungarian Deputy Prime Minister Anita Orban.
Multilateral Forums and Indo-Pacific Dialogue:
Expanding his diplomatic itinerary, Jaishankar participated in a dedicated ministerial meeting with the Visegrad Group, which includes Hungary, the Czech Republic, Slovakia, and Poland. He also attended a collaborative session bringing together foreign ministers from various European Union member states and Indo-Pacific nations to address pressing global developments and reinforce strategic partnerships.
