Jaishankar, Nepal FM Discuss Development Partnership and Energy Cooperation on UNGA Sidelines

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar met Nepal's Foreign Minister Shisir Khanal on the sidelines of the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York, with development partnership and energy cooperation emerging as key areas of discussion between the two countries. Jaishankar said the two sides reviewed developments in bilateral relations since their previous meeting in New Delhi in June. The discussions focused particularly on progress in development cooperation and energy ties between India and Nepal.

In a post on X, Jaishankar said he was pleased to meet Khanal during the UNGA high-level week and noted that the two sides followed up on developments in their bilateral relationship since their last meeting. The Nepal side also expressed appreciation for India's assistance following the devastating floods that recently affected parts of the Himalayan nation. According to Nepal's Permanent Mission to the United Nations, Khanal thanked the Indian government and people for their solidarity and immediate support after severe flooding in the Bhotekoshi and Trishuli river basins.

The two ministers also exchanged views on issues of mutual interest and discussed the importance of further strengthening the long-standing relationship between India and Nepal. India's relief assistance to Nepal began on August 26 after the floods struck the country. The first Indian relief aircraft arrived with around 10 tonnes of essential supplies, including temporary shelters, blankets, hygiene kits, solar lamps and medicines. India's humanitarian response was subsequently expanded, with nine dedicated aircraft transporting relief materials, equipment and specialist personnel to Nepal. The ninth flight carried approximately 11 tonnes of additional relief supplies.

The Jaishankar-Khanal meeting was part of a series of bilateral and multilateral engagements held by the Indian External Affairs Minister during the UN General Assembly's high-level week. Jaishankar met Uganda's Foreign Minister Adonia Ayebare for their first meeting. The two ministers discussed ways to strengthen bilateral relations, with development partnership, capacity building, defence training and agriculture among the areas highlighted. They also agreed on the importance of maintaining close cooperation in multilateral forums.

Jaishankar also chaired a high-level meeting involving like-minded Global South countries and their partners. The discussions covered several challenges confronting developing nations, including geopolitical tensions, conflicts, pressure on supply chains and trade, changing investment flows, debt vulnerabilities, climate-related disruptions and concerns surrounding the multilateral system.

Addressing the gathering, Jaishankar called for stronger cooperation among Global South nations in areas such as energy and food security, maritime safety, trade and economic practices, artificial intelligence and greater participation in global decision-making. Another significant engagement during the UNGA week was the India-CELAC Foreign Ministers' Meeting, which Jaishankar co-chaired with Uruguay's Foreign Minister Mario Lubetkin. Representatives from all 30 CELAC member countries attended the meeting, which Jaishankar described as the largest-ever participation in the forum.

The India-CELAC discussions covered cooperation in healthcare and pharmaceuticals, food and agriculture, energy and natural resources, small and medium-sized enterprises and digital sectors. The countries also discussed expanding ITEC training opportunities for participants from CELAC nations. The participating countries backed several India-led initiatives, including the International Solar Alliance, the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure, the International Big Cat Alliance, the Global Biofuels Alliance and Mission LiFE.

The meeting also resulted in an agreement to work towards an annual India-CELAC ministerial meeting, establish a permanent commission and develop a roadmap for future cooperation. Jaishankar's engagements in New York underline India's continuing efforts to deepen bilateral partnerships and expand cooperation with regional groupings and Global South countries across areas including development, energy, trade, technology, connectivity and environmental challenges.

Disclaimer: This image is taken from X/@DrSJaishankar.