Overview

• External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar hosted a high‑level meeting of like‑minded Global South countries on the sidelines of UNGA80 in New York.
• Jaishankar urged using existing forums for tighter consultations and proposed sharing specific strengths such as vaccines, digital capabilities, education capacities, agricultural practices and SME culture.
• He called for initiatives that prioritize Global South interests in climate action and climate justice, a focused discussion on emerging technologies including AI, and reforms to the UN and wider multilateral system.
• In remarks warning that multilateralism is under strain, he advocated fair economic practices, more South–South trade and technology ties, resilient shorter supply chains, conflict resolution to protect food, fertilizer and energy security, and wider use of digital public infrastructure.
• Eighteen countries participated, with attendees highlighting priorities such as Security Council reform and development financing, and Jaishankar followed the session with bilateral meetings with counterparts from Singapore, St. Lucia, Mauritius and the Netherlands.