New York: External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar launched an intensive diplomatic outreach and acted as the strong voice of the Global South and emerging economies on the sidelines of the 81st United Nations General Assembly. He called for stronger and reformed multilateralism at a time of geopolitical competition, conflicts and global economic uncertainty. He also explained the “4F crisis” entangling the geopolitical landscape & underscored the depth of global interconnectedness. He highlighted how contemporary regional conflicts have multi-layered global repercussions.
A pleasure to join @eucopresident António Costa in co-chairing the Partners for Multilateralism, International Law, Peace & Prosperity (P4M) Summit. Took the opportunity to:
✅ Stress the essentiality of multilateralism today to preserve the spirit of international cooperation… pic.twitter.com/0AWJjijNDt
— Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) September 22, 2026
‘Global order under stress’: EAM Jaishankar calls for stronger multilateralism
Addressing the inaugural Partners for Multilateralism, International Law, Peace & Prosperity (P4M) Summit, co-chaired with European Council President António Costa, EAM Jaishankar said that the global order was facing significant pressure. “For some decades the world has witnessed a steady rebalancing, which was a long-expected structural evolution. However, extreme competition, geopolitical tensions and actual conflicts have given this an entirely different character”, he said.
EAM Jaishankar warned that if such pressures remain unchecked, they could undermine the spirit of international cooperation. He argued that multilateralism is therefore vital for global prosperity. He said that both advocacy and implementation tools of multilateralism has to be strengthened.
He also stressed that international law, rules and norms must remain central to the multilateral system. EAM Jaishankar, thus, advocated more participative deliberations and transparent decision-making, which are long overdue. Such an arrangement will help to strengthen confidence in the UN system.
Addressed the inaugural ‘Partners for Multilateralism, International Law, Peace and Prosperity (P4M) Summit’ #UNGA81#UNHighLevelWeek pic.twitter.com/eCNJnRT8HS
— Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) September 21, 2026
The 4F crisis: How food, fuel, fertiliser & finance chains are fractured
A central element of EAM Jaishankar’s address to UNGA was his warning over the “4F crisis”. “The four ‘F crisis’ of Fuel, Food, Fertiliser and Finance cannot be left to itself”, he said, underlining how disruptions in these areas can have consequences extending beyond individual countries and regions.
He linked these challenges to wider questions of peace, security and development, arguing that the international community could not limit cooperation to diplomatic declarations. EAM Jaishankar pointed to climate action and climate justice, emerging technologies, development finance, counter-terrorism, resilient supply chains, disaster preparedness and pandemic response as areas where collective action remains essential.
“At stake here are very real issues, not just words and expressions”, he said, adding that all these challenges ultimately depend on a willingness to cooperate.
De-risking and diversifying amid global disruptions
The EAM also called for practical responses to emerging risks. He argued that new capabilities and concerns require appropriate frameworks and safeguards, while vulnerabilities created by concentration and disruption should be addressed through diversification. “Where new capabilities and concerns arise, there is a very powerful case for frameworks and guardrails”, EAM Jaishankar said.
He added that where there were threats from “choke points, dominance and disruptions”, thus de-risking and diversification should be encouraged. On ongoing geopolitical conflicts, EAM Jaishankar advocated addressing specific dimensions even while broader peace efforts continue. He said preserving existing achievements while pursuing improvements should remain a guiding principle for international cooperation.
EAM holds bilateral meetings with France, Slovakia, Hungary, Swiss & Ecuador counterparts
On the sidelines of the UNGA, EAM Jaishankar also held a series of bilateral meetings with key partner countries.
With French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot, he discussed the Ukraine and Gulf crises as well as reform of the UN Security Council. EAM Jaishankar said that the regular meetings and telephone conversations between the two sides had helped maintain momentum in the India-France Special Global Strategic Partnership.
A warm meeting with Swiss FM @ignaziocassis #UNHighLevelWeek
Took stock of our strengthening economic ties with the entry into force of the India-EFTA Trade and Economic Partnership Agreement. Also discussed global issues and closer multilateral cooperation.
🇮🇳🇨🇭 pic.twitter.com/RVLMAIQ2fj
— Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) September 21, 2026
His meeting with Ecuadorian Foreign Minister Roberto Kury focused on strengthening economic ties, particularly in energy and pharmaceuticals, besides mobility, personnel training, development partnership and cooperation in multilateral forums including the UN.
EAM Jaishankar also met Slovak Foreign Minister Juraj Blanár to discuss the bilateral agenda and ways to deepen multilateral cooperation. His meeting with Hungarian Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Anita Orbán focused on advancing the bilateral strategic partnership.
The EAM also met Swiss Foreign Minister Ignazio Cassis, with discussions focusing on the strengthening of India-Switzerland economic relations following the entry into force of the India-EFTA Trade and Economic Partnership Agreement. India’s EFTA partnership involves Switzerland, Norway, Iceland and Liechtenstein and is aimed at expanding trade and investment ties.
EAM Jaishankar also separately met Nauru President David Adeang and highlighted India’s development partnership with the Pacific island nation. He also appreciated bilateral and multilateral cooperation between the two countries.
Glad to meet President David Adeang of Naoero on the sidelines of #UNHighLevelWeek
Appreciate the strong bilateral and multilateral cooperation with Naoreo. India remains strongly committed as a development partner.
🇮🇳🇳🇷 pic.twitter.com/aphv9FTE2y
— Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) September 21, 2026
India’s UNGA diplomacy centres on reform and cooperation
EAM Jaishankar’s engagements come as the 81st UN General Assembly brings global leaders together amid severe conflicts, intense geopolitical competition, supply chain deadlocks and weaponisation of trade, tech, maritime corridors and chokepoints. 81st UNGA also seeks significance as India & other Global South countries increasingly push for reform of multilateral institutions & greater transparency to align with the contemporary world-order & geopolitical realities.
EAM Jaishankar is scheduled to address the UNGA General Debate on September 26, where India’s broader priorities on global governance, international security and multilateral reform are expected to receive further emphasis.
