Jaishankar Steps Up Diplomatic Engagements at UNGA, Meets Armenia, Barbados and Iraq Officials

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar continued his intensive diplomatic engagements on the sidelines of the 81st United Nations General Assembly in New York, meeting foreign counterparts from Armenia, Barbados and Iraq, besides holding talks with Panama President Jose Raul Mulino. Jaishankar shared details of the meetings on social media, highlighting discussions covering bilateral relations, regional developments and wider global issues. During his interaction with Armenian Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan, Jaishankar welcomed the opportunity to meet his counterpart as the two countries continue to maintain diplomatic engagement on bilateral and regional matters.

The External Affairs Minister also held a meeting with Barbados Foreign Minister Christopher Peter Sinckler. The interaction formed part of India's broader outreach to Caribbean countries during the UN General Assembly, where discussions have included bilateral cooperation and issues of shared interest.

His meeting with Iraqi Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein focused particularly on developments in West Asia. The two ministers exchanged views on the evolving situation in the region and also discussed India's economic and energy partnership with Iraq. The engagement comes as India continues to maintain close diplomatic and economic links with countries across West Asia.

Jaishankar also met Panama President Jose Raul Mulino during his UNGA schedule, adding another engagement with a Latin American partner to India's diplomatic outreach in New York. The meetings were part of a packed fourth day of Jaishankar's UNGA81 engagements. Earlier, he met Antigua and Barbuda Prime Minister Gaston Browne, with discussions covering India's development partnership, capacity-building initiatives and cooperation on climate change. Jaishankar also underlined India's interest in the successful organisation of the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting.

At the United Nations headquarters, Jaishankar met UNOPS Chief Jorge Moreira da Silva and appreciated the organisation's role in providing logistical support, particularly in challenging environments. The External Affairs Minister also held talks with UK Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband, with the two sides discussing India-UK relations and broader international challenges. Food and energy security concerns arising from ongoing conflicts were among the issues discussed. Jaishankar's diplomatic engagements have also extended to Central Asia. During his meeting with Tajikistan Foreign Minister Sirojiddin Muhriddin, the two ministers exchanged views on developments in the region and India's longstanding bilateral cooperation with Tajikistan.

Earlier during the UNGA engagements, Jaishankar also met Australian Senator Penny Wong, Uruguayan President Yamandu Orsi, Maldives Foreign Minister Iruthisham Adam, Ghanaian Foreign Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, Singaporean Foreign Minister Vivian Balakrishnan and Estonian Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna.

His discussions with the Maldives focused on bilateral relations and cooperation at multilateral forums, while talks with Ghana's foreign minister covered ways to strengthen bilateral ties along with regional and global developments. In his meeting with Estonia's Foreign Minister, Jaishankar discussed the Ukraine conflict, its broader implications and multilateral cooperation.

The wide-ranging meetings highlight the scale of India's diplomatic engagement during the UN General Assembly. Jaishankar's interactions have covered bilateral partnerships, economic and energy cooperation, development assistance, climate issues, regional security and major international challenges, providing opportunities for India to engage with partners from different regions during the high-level UNGA session.

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