External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar held a series of bilateral meetings with his counterparts from France, Ecuador, Slovakia and Switzerland in New York on the sidelines of the 81st United Nations General Assembly session. The discussions covered regional and global developments, bilateral relations and opportunities to strengthen multilateral cooperation.
Jaishankar began his engagements with French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot. The two leaders discussed the Ukraine and Gulf crises and exchanged views on multilateral issues, including reform of the United Nations Security Council. Jaishankar said regular meetings between the two sides help maintain momentum in the India-France Special Global Strategic Partnership.
During his meeting with Ecuadorian Foreign Minister Roberto Kury, Jaishankar discussed strengthening economic cooperation, particularly in areas such as energy and pharmaceuticals. The two sides also exchanged views on mobility, personnel training, development partnership and cooperation in multilateral forums, including the United Nations.
Jaishankar also met Slovak Foreign Minister Juraj Blanar. Their discussions covered the bilateral agenda as well as ways to deepen cooperation in multilateral forums. The meeting formed part of India’s broader diplomatic engagement with European partners during the UN General Assembly.
In his meeting with Swiss Foreign Minister Ignazio Cassis, Jaishankar reviewed the progress of India-Switzerland economic relations following the entry into force of the India-EFTA Trade and Economic Partnership Agreement. They also discussed global developments and opportunities for closer multilateral cooperation.
Jaishankar’s New York engagements also included meetings with counterparts from Ukraine, Moldova and Hungary, as well as participation in the first Visegrád Group and India Foreign Ministers’ Meeting. Discussions across these engagements covered areas including technology, defence, connectivity, mobili
