India’s External Affairs Minister (EAM), S Jaishankar, is set to lead the Indian delegation at the 78th Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA). This important event, taking place from September 22 to September 30, 2023, holds significance for India’s commitment to supporting the Global South. Jaishankar will be hosting a special event titled ‘India-UN for Global South: Delivering for Development.’
During this visit, the minister will engage in various diplomatic meetings. He is scheduled to meet with UN Secretary General António Guterres and Dennis Francis, the President of the 78th Session of the UN General Assembly. Additionally, his address at the High-Level Session of the UNGA is planned for the morning of September 26.
Following his engagements at the UNGA, Jaishankar will visit Washington DC from September 27 to September 30 for bilateral meetings with US counterparts. His agenda includes discussions with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, senior members of the US Administration, American business leaders, and think tanks. Moreover, he will address the 4th World Culture Festival organized by the Art of Living.
Meanwhile…India at UNSC
One of the key issues India highlighted at the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) was the ongoing situation in Ukraine. India expressed deep concern over the conflict and emphasized the importance of avoiding loss of human lives. Sanjay Verma, Secretary West, Ministry of External Affairs at UNSC Open Debate on Ukraine stressed the need for an immediate cessation of hostilities and a return to dialogue and diplomacy.
India reiterated its commitment to the global order based on international law, the principles of the UN Charter, and the respect for the territorial integrity and sovereignty of all states. And emphasized that diplomacy and dialogue are the only ways to resolve differences and disputes.
He also noted the collateral consequences of the Ukraine conflict, which have led to rising prices of essential commodities like food, fuel, and fertilizers, affecting not only India but also member states of the Global South. India, as the current G20 Presidency, has been working to address these economic challenges through consensus-based approaches and solutions for countries facing debt distress.
India’s approach to the Ukraine conflict remains people-centric, with humanitarian assistance to Ukraine and economic support to neighbouring countries in the Global South facing economic distress. India emphasized the importance of avoiding actions that could jeopardize the possibility of dialogue and negotiations.
In the midst of the Ukraine conflict, India posed two critical questions to the international community. First, it questioned the progress made toward an acceptable solution. Second, it raised concerns about the effectiveness of the UN system, particularly the UN Security Council, in resolving the ongoing conflict.
India stressed the need for reforming and reinventing outdated and archaic multilateral structures to make multilateralism more effective. Without addressing these systemic flaws, the credibility of international organizations like the UN will continue to decline, hindering their ability to maintain peace and security on a global scale.