Jaishankar Engages with Global Leaders at 80th UNGA
External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar met with several world leaders on the sidelines of the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York, holding wide-ranging discussions on the geopolitical landscape, regional issues, and global cooperation.
During his engagements, Jaishankar met UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres and emphasized India’s perspective on global politics, current crises, and the role of the United Nations at 80. “It was a pleasure to meet UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres in New York today. We discussed the UNGA, UN at 80, global politics, the current crisis, and India’s perspective,” he wrote on social media.
Jaishankar also met with Algerian Foreign Minister Ahmed Attaf, where both leaders discussed strengthening India–Algeria relations and exchanged views on developments in West Asia. “It was a pleasure to meet Algerian Foreign Minister Attaf. We discussed strengthening the partnership and West Asia,” Jaishankar shared.
In another key meeting, he held talks with Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan. The discussions focused on bilateral cooperation and the regional situation. “Met with Saudi Foreign Minister Faisal bin Farhan at the UNGA. Discussed bilateral cooperation and the regional situation,” Jaishankar posted.
Additionally, Jaishankar met UNGA President Annalena Baerbock, assuring India’s full support for her presidency. He reiterated India’s commitment to work with the United Nations to make it “relevant and effective in the times.”
Address at the UNGA
Earlier in the day, Jaishankar addressed the Assembly, reiterating India’s commitment to maintaining an independent approach and continuing to be the “voice of the Global South.” He outlined three guiding principles shaping India’s global outlook:
- Self-Reliance – emphasizing India’s focus on building internal strength.
- Self-Defense – ensuring the protection of India’s people, interests, and borders, including a firm stance against terrorism, nurturing global partnerships, and supporting the Indian diaspora.
- Self-Confidence – maintaining an independent foreign policy while representing the interests of developing nations.
Jaishankar affirmed that India, guided by these principles, would continue to engage constructively with the world while strengthening its role as a responsible global player.
