New York
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar reaffirmed India’s commitment to strengthening engagement with the seven-nation BIMSTEC grouping, in line with the Neighbourhood First and Act East policies. Jaishankar chaired the informal meeting of BIMSTEC Foreign Ministers in New York during the 79th United Nations General Assembly session. The meeting aimed to prepare for the upcoming BIMSTEC Leaders’ Summit.
Discussions focused on cooperation in areas such as health, food security, trade, investment, economy, and energy. Efforts to enhance physical, maritime, and digital connectivity across the region were highlighted. Jaishankar also emphasized the importance of capacity building, skill development, and improving people-to-people connections. India’s commitment to developing BIMSTEC Centres of Excellence was reiterated.
Jaishankar co-chaired the India-CARICOM Foreign Ministers meeting with Dominica’s Foreign Minister Vince Henderson. Discussions included enhancing cooperation in health, IT, FinTech, capacity building, renewables, and food security. Jaishankar noted that India’s partnership with CARICOM is based on past experiences and current needs, with a focus on a brighter future.
In addition, Jaishankar co-chaired the India-CELAC Foreign Ministers meeting with Honduras Foreign Minister Enrique Reina. The meeting emphasized political cooperation and economic ties, advancing South-South cooperation. Topics discussed included Digital Public Infrastructure, health, clean energy, and capacity building. The potential for greater collaboration in areas such as AI, e-mobility, space, agriculture, and drones was also explored. Both India and CELAC expressed their commitment to reformed multilateralism.
