Jaishankar Leads India’s UNGA Delegation
New Delhi’s top diplomat aims to push back against new U.S. tariffs on countries buying Russian oil.
Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar is leading India's delegation to the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) for the second consecutive year, according to Foreign Policy's South Asia Brief. Amidst a long list of pressing global issues at the UNGA in New York, including Iran and Ukraine wars, energy security, and climate change, Jaishankar's role is largely overshadowed by other high-level events.
However, as India's economy continues to grow rapidly and its foreign policy reaches pivotal moments, it is crucial for Jaishankar to make his mark during this significant diplomatic gathering.
One of Jaishankar's primary objectives at the UNGA is to secure assurances from U.S. officials regarding new legislation that could allow President Trump to impose high tariffs on countries, including India, for purchasing Russian oil. Although India has developed workarounds to mitigate the impact of previous Trump tariffs, the prospect of even higher duties on one of its largest export destinations remains a cause for concern, especially during sensitive trade talks with Washington.
In addition to tariff negotiations, Jaishankar aims to connect with other global south states during UNGA. He wants to showcase India's leadership in addressing challenges that disproportionately affect the global south, such as sea level rise and pandemic risks. By participating in these events, Jaishankar can demonstrate India's commitment to leading on these issues, which China has struggled to match in terms of influence in Africa and Latin America.
Finally, Jaishankar intends to prioritize engagement with the United Nations itself. While some view UNGA as merely a platform for speeches, it provides a vital opportunity for countries like India to push for reforms within the organization to make it more responsive to global needs. India, being a logical candidate for expansion of the permanent membership of the Security Council, aims to play the long game in its pursuit of greater representation.
Written by urgent.news from Foreign Policy's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
