External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar has called for greater cooperation among Global South countries to address rising geopolitical tensions, economic challenges, climate shocks and pressures on the multilateral system.
The Minister was addressing the meeting of Global South Countries on the sidelines of the 81st UN General Assembly in New York yesterday. Dr Jaishankar said the global situation was marked by increasing conflicts, pressure on supply chains and trade, fragmented investment flows, growing debt vulnerabilities and inadequate development finance. He said Global South countries should work together to address key challenges, including supply chain, finance and connectivity bottlenecks.
The External Affairs Minister called for efforts to prevent the manipulation of energy availability and prices, ensure food security by addressing challenges related to grain and fertiliser supplies, and promote fair economic and trade practices. He also highlighted the need to enhance industrialisation and production capabilities, secure maritime commons, and ensure the safety and security of seafarers and commercial shipping.
The External Affairs Minister further stressed the importance of managing the transformations brought by Artificial Intelligence to prevent divisions and called for greater inclusion in decision-making structures on issues affecting Global South countries.
Dr Jaishankar also met Italy’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly. In a social media post, the Minister said their discussions focused on the Gulf situation, the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC), and the Ukraine conflict. He said the two countries aimed to expand collaboration and increase trade ties.
Addressing the India-CELAC Foreign Ministers’ Meeting during the UN High-Level Week 2026 in New York, the External Affairs Minister called for stronger economic and development partnerships between India and the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC). He said, India-CELAC trade has now crossed 50 billion US dollars annually.
Dr Jaishankar said, India emerged as one of the world’s major economies over the past decade, with its GDP more than doubling and growth remaining robust. He added that India today combines a large and increasingly skilled human resource base with increasing capabilities, a growing market, strong digital infrastructure and expanding technology capacities. He said India’s engagement with the Global South went beyond its national interest and reflected its commitment to shared prosperity.
Highlighting India’s development cooperation with the region, Dr Jaishankar said India has placed its capabilities at the service of those in need. He cited projects supporting livelihoods in the Caribbean, assistance after Hurricane Melissa, military hospitals sent to Venezuela after the earthquake, and medicines supplied to Latin American countries. He said India and CELAC have complementary strengths.
India brings technology, pharmaceuticals, skilled manpower and digital capabilities, while CELAC offers opportunities in critical minerals, sustainable energy, agriculture and food resources. Dr Jaishankar also said India and CELAC should consider upgrading the Annual Business Summit from next year.
