India's Engagement at the 80th United Nations General Assembly

At the 80th UN General Assembly, held in New York City on September 27, 2025, Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar emphasized India's engagement with the Global South, addressing critical issues such as Israel's war on Gaza, U.S.-led trade challenges, and the need for UN reform. His efforts were marked by numerous bilateral and multilateral meetings, primarily with developing nations.

Focus on the Global South

• More than half of Jaishankar's approximately 30 bilateral meetings were with developing countries.
• India hosted multilateral meetings focusing on issues relevant to the Global South and non-western groupings including: 
  • BRICS
  • IBSA (India-Brazil-South Africa)
  • India-CELAC (South American countries)
  • India-SICA (Central American Integration System)
  • FIPIC (with Pacific Island countries)
  • L-69 (developing countries from the Global South)
  • C-10 (African Union representatives)

Relations with the United States

• Meeting with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio did not lead to easing tensions.
• President Donald Trump criticized India as a "primary funder" of the Ukraine war, alongside China.
• The U.S. imposed new tariffs on Indian goods, affecting trade negotiations.

India's Position on the Israel-Gaza Conflict

• India, traditionally abstaining from ceasefire resolutions, backed statements critical of Israel.
• The statements condemned Israeli attacks on Gaza and expressed concern for Palestinian territories.
• India aligned more closely with Global South priorities but did not join the diplomatic walkout during Israeli PM Netanyahu's UN speech.

Commitment to Global South Issues

Jaishankar highlighted the Global South's challenges in his General Debate statement, citing issues like conflicts in Ukraine and Gaza, energy and food security, and unfair trade practices. He criticized global superpowers for not doing enough to address these concerns.

India's Strategic Priorities

• The Permanent Mission of India (PMI) stressed the need for UN Security Council reform.
• India's "priority paper" emphasized engagement with the Global South and coordination with groups like Landlocked Developing Countries (LLDCs), Least Developed Countries (LDCs), and Small Island Developing States (SIDS).