UNGA President’s Visit to New Delhi Bolsters India-UN Synergy

New Delhi : In a move to fortify multilateral cooperation, External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar hosted the President of the 80th Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), Annalena Baerbock, in the national capital. The high-level meeting underscored India’s growing influence in global governance and its commitment to reforming international institutions.

The discussions between Dr. Jaishankar and President Baerbock spanned a wide array of critical global issues, primarily focusing on UN Reform (UN80), the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and the geopolitical crisis in West Asia.

Dr. Jaishankar emphasized the urgent need for a "reformed multilateralism" that accurately reflects contemporary global realities. He particularly championed the cause of the Global South, asserting that international frameworks must amplify the voices of developing nations to remain relevant in the modern era.

Beyond traditional diplomacy, the visit delved into the future of technology. President Baerbock participated in a dialogue at the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) concerning the governance and regulation of Artificial Intelligence (AI). She expressed keen interest in India’s AI governance model, while Dr. Jaishankar reiterated that the benefits of AI must be democratized to ensure that no nation in the Global South is left behind in the digital race.

The UNGA President’s itinerary began with a solemn tribute to Mahatma Gandhi at Rajghat. Welcoming her, Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal stated that the visit reaffirms India’s "unwavering commitment" to the United Nations.

Taking to 'X' (formerly Twitter), Dr. Jaishankar remarked, "Delighted to host UNGA President Annalena Baerbock. We emphasized the need for a reformed multilateralism that mirrors today’s realities, especially those of the Global South."

(Report by Saswat Tiwari)