External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar has called for stronger cooperation among Global South countries amid growing geopolitical tensions and economic challenges.
Jaishankar made the remarks during a high-level meeting of Global South countries on the sidelines of the 81st United Nations General Assembly in New York. He highlighted several challenges affecting developing economies, including conflicts, trade pressures, climate shocks and weaknesses in the global multilateral system.
Global Situation Faces Multiple Challenges
Jaishankar said the current global environment faces several interconnected problems. He pointed to rising conflicts and geopolitical tensions across different regions.
He also highlighted pressure on global supply chains and trade. Fragmented investment flows and growing debt vulnerabilities have created additional challenges for developing countries.
According to Jaishankar, inadequate development finance has made it harder for many nations to respond to these pressures. He also pointed to increasingly severe climate-related shocks.
Focus on Supply Chains and Finance
The External Affairs Minister urged Global South countries to work together on key economic challenges.
He called for cooperation to address supply chain, finance and connectivity bottlenecks. Stronger cooperation in these areas could help developing economies manage disruptions and improve economic resilience.
Jaishankar also called for efforts to prevent the manipulation of energy availability and prices. He stressed the importance of stable access to energy for economic development.
Food Security Remains a Priority
Jaishankar also highlighted food security during his address.
He called for measures to address challenges involving grain and fertiliser supplies. Disruptions in these areas can affect food production and prices, particularly in developing economies.
The minister also called for fair economic and trade practices. He stressed the need for countries to strengthen their production capabilities and support industrial development.
Maritime Security and Connectivity
Jaishankar also highlighted the importance of secure maritime routes.
He called for efforts to protect the maritime commons and ensure the safety of commercial shipping and seafarers. Safe shipping routes remain important for international trade and supply chains.
He also identified connectivity as an area where Global South countries could increase cooperation.
AI Should Not Create New Divides
Artificial intelligence also featured in Jaishankar’s remarks.
He said countries need to manage the transformation created by AI in a way that prevents new divisions. Developing countries have raised concerns about unequal access to advanced technology and the economic opportunities linked to AI.
Jaishankar called for greater cooperation on technological issues. He also sought wider participation in international decision-making on matters that affect Global South countries.
Call for Reformed Multilateralism
Jaishankar also stressed the need for stronger multilateral institutions.
He said Global South countries should use existing platforms to raise their concerns. He called for closer economic, technological and environmental cooperation.
The minister also advocated reformed multilateralism. His remarks reflected India’s long-standing call for greater representation of developing countries in global decision-making structures.
Jaishankar Meets Italian Foreign Minister
On the sidelines of the UN General Assembly, Jaishankar also met Italy’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani.
The two discussed the Gulf situation, the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC) and the Ukraine conflict. Tajani said India and Italy would continue working to strengthen their strategic partnership across areas including defence, technology, energy and trade.
India Highlights Wider Global South Engagement
Jaishankar’s remarks came alongside India’s efforts to strengthen its engagement with developing countries.
At the India-CELAC Foreign Ministers’ Meeting, he called for stronger economic and development partnerships between India and Latin American and Caribbean countries. He said India-CELAC trade has crossed $50 billion annually.
The discussions at the UN General Assembly reflect the growing focus on cooperation among developing countries. Jaishankar has urged these nations to coordinate more closely on economic, technological, environmental and global governance issues as international challenges continue to evolve.