Jaishankar Meets Counterparts at UNGA, Joins Inaugural Multilateralism Summit

Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar joined the inaugural Partners for Multilateralism, International Law, Peace and Prosperity summit in New York during a series of meetings on the sidelines of the 81st United Nations General Assembly.

Image via: @DrSJaishankar

In the first meeting of the Visegrad Group and India in a foreign ministers’ format, the two sides agreed to hold annual meetings of their foreign ministers and an annual business forum, Jaishankar said. He also listed plans for closer cooperation in technology, research, education and defence, as well as cultural exchanges and support for multilateralism. The Visegrad Group comprises Czechia, Hungary, Poland and Slovakia. 

After that meeting, Jaishankar shared a statement by Slovak Foreign Minister Juraj Blanár supporting India’s inclusion as a permanent member of the UN Security Council. Jaishankar separately said he and French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot had discussed Security Council reform, the war in Ukraine and the Gulf crisis.

Jaishankar also met European Union counterparts to discuss India-EU cooperation and developments in the Gulf, Ukraine and Indo-Pacific. In other meetings, he said he discussed economic ties, including energy and pharmaceuticals, with Ecuador; bilateral and multilateral cooperation with Slovakia and Hungary; trade and wider global issues with Switzerland; and political, economic and educational ties with Moldova. He also met Nauru’s President David Adeang and reaffirmed India’s commitment as a development partner.

Addressed the inaugural ‘Partners for Multilateralism, International Law, Peace and Prosperity (P4M) Summit’ #UNGA81#UNHighLevelWeek pic.twitter.com/eCNJnRT8HS

— Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) September 21, 2026

India’s foreign ministry earlier said in a statement that Jaishankar is leading its delegation for the General Assembly’s high-level week and is scheduled to address the Assembly on September 26. 

The UN General Assembly’s 81st session opened on September 8, with its high-level general debate scheduled for September 22–26 and September 28 in New York. The debate gives national leaders and ministers a forum to set out their governments’ priorities before the UN membership. 

High-Level Week also brings delegations together for meetings alongside the debate, giving countries an opportunity to pursue bilateral ties and discuss shared challenges. Jaishankar is scheduled to deliver India’s address on September 26.