External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar Reinforces India’s Commitment to BIMSTEC and Global Partnerships at UNGA
New York: External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar has reiterated India’s commitment to enhancing engagement with the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC) during his visit to the United States for the 79th session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA). On Friday, he chaired an informal Foreign Ministers’ meeting of BIMSTEC in New York, aimed at preparing for the upcoming BIMSTEC Leaders’ Summit.
In a post on X, Jaishankar emphasized the discussions surrounding collaboration in critical areas such as health, food security, trade, investment, economy, and energy. He highlighted the importance of improving physical, maritime, and digital connectivity across the region while exploring opportunities for capacity building and enhancing people-to-people ties.
“The development of BIMSTEC Centres of Excellence is a collective resolve. We reaffirmed India’s commitment to wider engagement with BIMSTEC in line with our Neighbourhood First policy, Vision SAGAR, and Act East Policy,” he stated.
India’s ‘Neighbourhood First’ policy focuses on fostering friendly and mutually beneficial relations with neighboring countries. The nation has also strengthened maritime cooperation with regional partners under its vision of Security and Growth for All in the Region (SAGAR). Meanwhile, the Act East Policy aims to bolster economic, cultural, and strategic ties with Indo-Pacific nations.
BIMSTEC comprises seven member countries: India, Bhutan, Bangladesh, Myanmar, Thailand, Nepal, and Sri Lanka, all of which play a vital role in regional connectivity and cooperation.
In addition to his engagement with BIMSTEC, Jaishankar co-chaired a meeting with Dominica’s Minister for Foreign Affairs, Vince Henderson, focusing on the India-CARICOM (Caribbean Community) partnership. This meeting highlighted areas for deepening cooperation in health, IT, FinTech, capacity building, renewable energy, and food security.
“We had a productive meeting of the India-CARICOM Foreign Ministers. Our discussions aim to upgrade our partnership and address current needs while aspiring for a brighter future,” Jaishankar noted.
Furthermore, Jaishankar co-chaired the India-CELAC (Community of Latin American and Caribbean States) Foreign Ministers’ meeting with Honduras’ Foreign Minister Enrique Reina. This forum addressed vital topics, including digital public infrastructure, health, clean energy, and capacity building, while also exploring opportunities for engagement in artificial intelligence, e-mobility, space technology, smart agriculture, and drone innovation.
Emphasizing India’s shared commitment to reformed multilateralism, Jaishankar’s diplomatic engagements at the UNGA signify India’s strategic approach to strengthening global partnerships and enhancing cooperation across diverse regions.
