External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar engaged in multiple bilateral discussions with his European counterparts during the 81st United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), addressing topics such as the Ukraine conflict, trade and investment prospects between India and the EU, technology, energy, defence, connectivity, and bilateral relations.
Jaishankar engaged with Netherlands Foreign Minister Tom Berendsen, Finland's Foreign Minister Elina Valtonen, and Slovenia's Foreign Minister Tone Kajzer while in New York.
In a post on X, Jaishankar shared details of his meeting with Berendsen, stating, "Grateful for the meeting with Tom Berendsen of Netherlands #UNGA81." Shared opinions on the conflict in Ukraine. Also checked on the outcomes from PM Narendra Modi’s trip to the Netherlands earlier this year.
The External Affairs Minister met with Finnish Foreign Minister Elina Valtonen to discuss geopolitical and technology challenges, as well as bilateral relations and collaboration within the European Union.
"Glad to see FM Elina Valtonen from Finland today #UNGA81. Discussed contemporary geopolitical and technological issues." Jaishankar stated that our bilateral ties and collaboration within the European Union continue to be robust
Trade and investment prospects associated with the India-EU Free Trade Agreement were also discussed during Jaishankar's meeting with Slovenia's Foreign Minister Tone Kajzer.
“Excellent discussion with FM Tone Kajzer from Slovenia. Discussed the developing trade and investment prospects as we progress towards the realization of the India-EU FTA,” says Jaishankar.
Jaishankar mentioned in another post that they also talked about energy, manufacturing, digital, connectivity, defense, and the multilateral aspects of our relationship."
The interactions with European partners occurred while Jaishankar was also involved in discussions with nations and groupings from the Caribbean and Pacific areas.
Earlier, Jaishankar participated in the India-CARICOM Foreign Ministers' Meeting held in New York. In his comments, he emphasized India's unity with Caribbean nations, based on their common history and development issues.
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He remarked that dedicated SME and Quick Impact Projects had been accomplished in various Caribbean nations and were still in progress in a few. He also pointed out India's support via limb fitment camps, haemodialysis units, and compact medical BHISHM Cube units delivered to several CARICOM partners.
Jaishankar encouraged CARICOM nations to take advantage of training opportunities provided by India and proposed tailored training programs in relevant fields.
"Emphasized that India has promoted solar energy in the CARICOM area and urged members to think about joining the International Solar Alliance and the Global Biofuels Alliance." Stressed the need to strengthen our connections, particularly in economic, digital, and mobility areas," he stated in a message on X.
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Jaishankar also led the India-FIPIC Foreign Ministers' Meeting in New York, highlighting India's strategy for the Pacific as driven by demand, focused on development, and centered on people.
"Our strategy regarding the Pacific has always been focused on demand, aimed at development, and centered on people." India completely honors and backs the priorities outlined in the Pacific Island Forum's 2050 Strategy for the Blue Pacific Continent," the EAM noted.
He emphasized India's developmental initiatives in Pacific Island nations and the advancements achieved under the Action Plan revealed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, covering healthcare, renewable energy, connectivity, technology, and capacity development.
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Jaishankar acknowledged the difficulties that El Niño presents for Pacific Island nations and stated that India is prepared to assist in mitigating its negative impacts. He emphasized collaboration in space along with sustainable research of coasts and oceans.