New York: External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar has called for stronger cooperation among countries of the Global South to address growing geopolitical tensions, economic uncertainty, climate-related disruptions and challenges facing the multilateral system.
Addressing a meeting of Global South countries on the sidelines of the 81st United Nations General Assembly in New York, Jaishankar said countries across the developing world need to work together on issues ranging from supply chains and finance to connectivity, food security and energy.
He pointed to a global environment marked by conflicts, pressure on trade and supply chains, fragmented investment flows, rising debt vulnerabilities and inadequate development finance. Against this backdrop, he called for greater cooperation to overcome bottlenecks affecting trade, investment and development.
Focus on Energy, Food and Maritime Security
Jaishankar stressed the importance of preventing the manipulation of energy availability and prices and strengthening food security by addressing disruptions involving grain and fertiliser supplies.
He also highlighted the need for fair economic and trade practices, stronger industrial and production capabilities, and greater attention to the security of maritime routes. Protecting commercial shipping and ensuring the safety of seafarers, he said, are important components of a stable global trading system.
Artificial intelligence was another major area of discussion. Jaishankar said countries need to manage the transformation brought by AI in a manner that does not create new divisions and called for greater participation of Global South nations in decision-making on issues that directly affect them.
India-Italy Talks Cover Gulf, IMEC and Ukraine
On the sidelines of the UN General Assembly, Jaishankar also met Italy’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani.
According to Jaishankar, the discussions covered the situation in the Gulf, the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC) and the Ukraine conflict. The two sides also discussed expanding cooperation and strengthening bilateral trade ties.
India-CELAC Trade Crosses $50 Billion
Jaishankar also addressed the India-CELAC Foreign Ministers’ Meeting, where he called for stronger economic and development partnerships between India and the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States.
He said annual India-CELAC trade has crossed $50 billion, while noting that there remains considerable scope for further expansion. Recent reporting on the meeting also highlighted areas including trade, investment, connectivity, digital technology, health and pharmaceuticals as potential areas for deeper cooperation.
Jaishankar said India’s economic growth, expanding market, skilled workforce, digital infrastructure and technological capabilities have strengthened its ability to engage with partners across the Global South.
He also pointed to India’s development cooperation in the region, including livelihood projects in the Caribbean, humanitarian assistance following Hurricane Melissa, military hospitals sent to Venezuela after an earthquake and the supply of medicines to Latin American countries.
Complementary Strengths
According to Jaishankar, India and CELAC possess complementary economic strengths. India can contribute technology, pharmaceuticals, skilled manpower and digital capabilities, while Latin American and Caribbean countries offer opportunities in areas such as critical minerals, sustainable energy, agriculture and food resources.
He also called for diversified trade and investment, stronger business-to-business connections, improved connectivity and more predictable market access. India is pursuing economic engagement with the region through initiatives including proposed agreements with Chile and Peru and expansion of the preferential trade arrangement with MERCOSUR.
Jaishankar further suggested that India and CELAC consider upgrading their Annual Business Summit from next year, reflecting the broader push to deepen economic and development cooperation.
The discussions at the UN underline India’s continuing emphasis on greater Global South participation in international decision-making, alongside efforts to expand economic, technological and development partnerships with countries across Asia, Africa, Latin America and the Caribbean.