Jaishankar Discusses Global Hotspots and UNSC Reform with UN Chief

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar met with UN chief Antonio Guterres to discuss global hotspots, UNSC reform, and future prospects for India-UN partnership. He also conducted bilateral meetings with counterparts from Belarus, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, and Russia during the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation summit.

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Wednesday met UN chief Antonio Guterres, discussing global hotspots and their broader implications along with the need for UNSC reform.

In addition to representing India at the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation's annual summit, Jaishankar held various bilateral meetings, including talks with Belarusian and Tajikistan counterparts Maksim Ryzhenkov and Sirojiddin Muhriddin respectively.

“Always a pleasure to meet UNSG @antonioguterres. Appreciate his insights on the state of the world. Discussed global hotspots and their larger implications,” Jaishankar shared on social media platform X.

Jaishankar emphasized the importance of UNSC reform, preparations for the upcoming Summit of the Future in September, and prospects for a meaningful India-UN partnership. He also met with counterparts from Tajikistan, Belarus, Uzbekistan, and Russia.

During his meeting with Uzbek Foreign Minister Bakhtiyor Saidov, Jaishankar noted substantial progress in India-Uzbekistan relations, seeking further enhancement. Posting on X, he expressed gratitude for discussions on regional situations with Tajik FM Sirojiddin Muhriddin in Astana and welcomed Belarusian FM Maksim Ryzhenkov, hailing Belarus joining the SCO as its newest member.

These meetings follow the first-ever India-Belarus Consular Dialogue held on June 28 in Minsk, featuring leaders from both sides.

With India, Iran, Kazakhstan, China, Kyrgyz, Pakistan, Russia, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan as members, the SCO stands as a significant economic and security bloc. Kazakhstan, chairing this year, hosts the summit with Belarus poised to become the 10th member.