India’s External Affairs Minister, S Jaishankar, delivered a speech at the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York, where he underscored India’s evolving role as ‘Vishwa Mitra’ or a friend of the world. During his address, Jaishankar also emphasized India’s significant role as the host of the G20 Summit and the country’s commitment to fostering global solidarity and international cooperation.
Jaishankar began his UNGA address by greeting the assembly with a ‘namaste’ from ‘Bharat,’ a term used in the Indian Constitution to represent the country. He expressed India’s full support for the UNGA’s theme of rebuilding trust and reigniting global solidarity, highlighting that it is an opportunity to assess achievements, challenges, and share aspirations and goals.
Speaking about India’s responsibility in hosting the G20 during a period of global turmoil, Jaishankar said, “The world is witnessing an exceptional period of turmoil…At this juncture, it was with a sense of exceptional responsibility India took up the presidency of G20.” He added that India’s vision for the G20 was “One Earth, One Family, One Future,” emphasizing a focus on global concerns over narrow interests.
Jaishankar pointed out that India’s G20 presidency began by convening the Voice of the Global South Summit, allowing direct input from 125 countries and including their concerns in the G20 agenda. This approach ensured that issues deserving global attention received fair consideration, resulting in significant outcomes for the international community. He also highlighted India’s initiative to include the African Union as a permanent member of the G20, giving voice to an entire continent.
In his address, Jaishankar underscored India’s evolving role from the era of non-alignment to that of ‘Vishwa Mitra,’ a friend to the world. This transformation is reflected in India’s willingness and ability to engage with a broad range of nations and harmonize interests where necessary. India’s commitment to global solidarity and cooperation underscores its determination to contribute positively to addressing global challenges.
Jaishankar’s speech at the UNGA emphasized India’s multifaceted role on the world stage, as a nation ready to collaborate with diverse partners and promote international cooperation and harmony.
