New Delhi, 23 September 2026: Foreign Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar has called for greater cooperation among the developing, underdeveloped and poor countries of the world to face growing geopolitical tensions, economic challenges, climate-related disasters and increasing pressure on the multilateral system.
Jaishankar addressed the meeting of 'Global South' countries organized along with the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York. During his address, he highlighted the challenges affecting the global environment, including increasing conflicts, pressures on supply chains and trade, fragmented investment flows, rising debt risks and inadequate development finance. He stressed that developing and least-developed countries must work together to address key challenges such as supply chain, finance and connectivity constraints.
The External Affairs Minister called for efforts to prevent manipulation in energy availability and prices, ensure food security by addressing challenges to the supply of grains and fertilizers, and promote fair economic and business practices.
Jaishankar also stressed the importance of effectively managing the changes brought about by artificial intelligence, in order to prevent division and better involve developing and least-developed countries in decision-making processes on issues affecting them.
Along with the United Nations General Assembly, Jaishankar also met Italy's Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani. In a social media post, he said that their discussions focused on the situation in the Gulf region, the India-West Asia-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC) and the Ukraine conflict.
Read more: England's star bowler suddenly announces retirement, ending 146-match career