Jaishankar meets global counterparts on UNGA sidelines in New York

EAM Jaishankar speaks at the Global Coalition to Address Synthetic Drug Threats, in New York on September 24.

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, on Tuesday, held a series of bilateral meetings on the sidelines of the 79th session of the UN General Assembly (UNGA), engaging with his counterparts from Spain, Cyprus, and Moldova, among others, to discuss key regional issues, including the conflicts in West Asia and Ukraine, while also exploring avenues to enhance bilateral cooperation.

Jaishankar, who is in the US to attend the high-level UNGA session, is scheduled to address the General Debate on September 28.

During Tuesday's meetings, Jaishankar expressed his pleasure in meeting Spain’s Foreign Minister José Manuel Albares Bueno. They discussed the state of their bilateral cooperation and exchanged views on the ongoing situations in Ukraine and West Asia.

"Delighted to meet FM @jmalbares of Spain this afternoon in NY. Good conversation on our bilateral cooperation as well as on Ukraine and West Asia," Jaishankar wrote on microblogging site X.

Bueno, in his post, reiterated Spain’s recognition of India as an "essential global player" and a "priority" partner. They also touched on trade, cultural relations, and the evolving dynamics in the Middle East, Ukraine, and the Indo-Pacific region.

In another significant meeting, Jaishankar engaged with Cyprus’ Foreign Minister Constantinos Kombos, where they focused on the ongoing conflict in West Asia and its broader implications. The two leaders also discussed enhancing bilateral ties.

"A good conversation with FM @ckombos from Cyprus on sidelines of #UNGA79 today. We focused on ongoing developments in West Asia and their larger implications. Also discussed taking our bilateral cooperation forward," the EAM posted.

Jaishankar also met Moldova’s Foreign Minister and Deputy Prime Minister Mihai Popșoi. Their discussions covered potential cooperation areas such as investment, education, and tourism, alongside an exchange of views on the Ukraine conflict. "Appreciate meeting FM @MihaiPopsoi of Moldova today. Discussed the potential for cooperation in investment, education and tourism. Also exchanged views on the Ukraine conflict," Jaishankar shared.

In addition to these meetings, Jaishankar had discussions with EU Commissioner for Climate Action Wopke Hoekstra. Calling him a "dear friend," Jaishankar highlighted their conversation about deepening the India-EU partnership.

Jaishankar also met with Guyana's Foreign Minister Hugh Hilton Todd and Bolivia's Foreign Minister Celinda Sosa Lunda, discussing various aspects of their bilateral relationships and exploring ways to strengthen cooperation.

Earlier, Jaishankar had held discussions with his counterparts from France, Panama, and Malta.