External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, who arrived in New York for the high-level session of the United Nations General Assembly, co-chaired the ‘Partners for Multilateralism, International Law, Peace and Prosperity (P4M)’ summit alongside European Council President António Costa. In a post on the social media platform ‘X’, he wrote, “Delighted to co-chair the ‘Partners for Multilateralism, International Law, Peace and Prosperity (P4M)’ summit with European Council President António Costa.”
According to the Ministry of External Affairs, while addressing the summit, External Affairs Minister Jaishankar expressed his pleasure at India’s participation as a co-sponsor and conveyed his gratitude to President António Costa. Minister Jaishankar noted that the meeting was taking place at a time when the existing global order is under strain.
The global balance of power has been gradually shifting over the past few decades—a major transformation that had long been anticipated. However, heightened competition, geopolitical tensions, and actual conflicts have now given this shift a completely different character.
If left unchecked, this trend could call into question the very spirit of international cooperation. That is why it is crucial to vigorously advance multilateral cooperation at this juncture. He emphasised that this is not merely a matter of words or statements; significant issues with real-world global consequences are at stake.
The future of peace and international security, climate action and climate justice, new technologies, development finance, counter-terrorism, resilient supply chains, disaster resilience, and pandemic preparedness—all hinge on our readiness to work together. He stated that we must recognise that everything achieved so far has been made possible through collective efforts. The lesson here is that we should preserve what has been successfully achieved while simultaneously striving to improve upon it. The External Affairs Minister noted that this goal could be realised by combining various efforts and initiatives. Regarding ongoing conflicts, he suggested that while pursuing broad peace, specific issues related to these conflicts could also be addressed separately.
The ‘4-F crisis’—encompassing fuel, food, fertiliser, and finance—cannot be left unaddressed. As new capabilities and concerns emerge, there is a compelling need to establish clear rules, frameworks, and necessary safeguards. He emphasised that where there is a risk of excessive control or disruption regarding critical supplies or routes, efforts should be made to mitigate risks and expand alternatives. When a significant issue arises, or there is a strong rationale for a particular course of action, like-minded nations should have the confidence to come together. Multilateral cooperation can only progress effectively if international laws, rules, and established norms are adhered to with the utmost seriousness.
The Minister remarked that merely supporting multilateral cooperation is insufficient; the mechanisms for its actual implementation must also be strengthened. Therefore, reforming the multilateral system is crucial. He highlighted the long-standing need for greater participation in discussions and increased transparency in decision-making processes. Such steps could instil a sense of hope and positivity within the United Nations system that is clearly needed at this juncture, while also reinforcing our collective resolve to work together.
During the meeting, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar also met with leaders from other nations and discussed strengthening India’s bilateral relations. In a post on the social media platform ‘X’, Jaishankar wrote, “Had a good meeting with Moldova’s Foreign Minister Mihai Popșoi during the UNGA-81 session. We discussed the growing ties and progress made between India and Moldova in the political, economic, and educational spheres. We also exchanged views on the Ukraine conflict.” In another post, he wrote, “Following my recent visit to Ukraine, I welcomed the opportunity to meet its Foreign Minister, Andrii Sybiha, once again. Our conversation focused on developments over the past few weeks.”
