What Key Meetings Did EAM Jaishankar Hold with Global Foreign Ministers?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Jaishankar's meetings demonstrate India's proactive diplomatic stance.
- Key discussions involved cooperation on pressing global issues.
- Strengthening ties with South Asian and Caribbean nations was emphasized.
- India's role in the international economy was highlighted.
- Support for Maldives' development remains a priority for India.
United Nations, Sept 24 (NationPress) Each year, foreign ministers from various nations gather for the high-level session of the United Nations General Assembly, and External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar seized this occasion to engage with numerous counterparts.
On Tuesday (local time), he held individual meetings with nearly a dozen ministers, addressing a wide range of subjects including development, cooperation, Europe's strategies, and the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
Additionally, some ministers participated in the 'Like-Minded Global South Countries' high-level meeting organized by Jaishankar.
In an effort to enhance collaboration between India and the European Union, he met with Lars Lokke Rasmussen, Denmark's foreign minister and current president, to discuss India-EU relations.
Jaishankar expressed on X that he appreciated Rasmussen's insights regarding the latest developments in Europe and the Ukraine situation.
During a discussion with David van Weel, the Foreign Minister of the Netherlands, Jaishankar mentioned on X that they talked about “European strategic positioning and India's approach”.
Two South Asian foreign ministers were also on Jaishankar's agenda. Sri Lanka's Foreign Minister Vijitha Herath shared on X that their meeting reaffirmed “the strong friendship and close cooperation” between their nations.
Jaishankar noted that they “reviewed the progress of our bilateral cooperation”.
After meeting with Maldives Foreign Minister Abdulla Khaleel, Jaishankar posted, “Our support to Maldives' development remains steadfast”.
With Mauritius Foreign Minister Dhananjay Ritish Ramful, Jaishankar mentioned on X that they discussed following up on the recent “successful” state visit of Prime Minister Navin Ramgoolam to India.
Jamaica's Foreign Minister Kamina J. Smith indicated on X that it is “always a great pleasure to speak” with Jaishankar.
He congratulated her on her reappointment as foreign minister and expressed eagerness “to strengthen our partnership”.
Following the victory of Prime Minister Andrew Holnes' Labour Party in the recent elections, Smith was sworn in last week as foreign minister.
Jaishankar acknowledged the “warm words for our ties” from Melvin Bouva, Foreign Minister of Suriname.
Somalia's Foreign Minister Abdisalam Ali expressed his happiness about meeting Jaishankar.
The EAM mentioned having a “quick chat” with his “friend” Vivian Balakrishnan, Foreign Minister of Singapore, on the sidelines of the Like-Minded Global South Countries' meeting.
He also met Lejone Mpotjoana, Foreign Minister of Lesotho, and Alva Baptiste of St. Lucia.
Though not a minister, Sultan Ahmed Bin Sulayem, the group chairman and CEO of DP World, a multinational company based in Dubai, also met with Jaishankar.
The EAM shared on X that they had “a good discussion on current developments in the international economy and their implications for connectivity and logistics.”
DP World operates globally, including in India, where it is developing a $510 million terminal at Tuna Tekra in Gujarat.