EAM Jaishankar Meets UNGA President Baerbock To Discuss SDGs, AI And West Asia Conflict

External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar held high-level discussions with United Nations General Assembly President Annalena Baerbock in New Delhi on Tuesday, focusing on key global challenges including reforms in multilateral institutions, sustainable development goals (SDGs), artificial intelligence governance, and the ongoing conflict in West Asia. The meeting highlighted India’s continued engagement with the United Nations and broader global governance frameworks.

During the discussions, Jaishankar emphasised the need for what he described as “reformed multilateralism” that better reflects contemporary global realities. He underlined the importance of giving greater voice to the Global South in international decision-making structures, arguing that current global institutions must evolve to remain relevant and effective. He also expressed appreciation for Baerbock’s leadership and her engagement on pressing global issues.

According to an official post shared by Jaishankar on social media platform X, the two leaders also exchanged views on the UN80 initiative, the progress of the Sustainable Development Goals, and the implications of emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence. The discussions also included concerns regarding the ongoing West Asia conflict, which continues to have significant geopolitical and humanitarian implications.

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Ahead of the meeting, Baerbock paid tribute to Mahatma Gandhi at Rajghat in New Delhi, underscoring the symbolic importance of her visit. She arrived in India on Monday for a two-day official trip at the invitation of the External Affairs Minister. The visit further reinforced India’s engagement with the United Nations system and its leadership bodies.

Officials noted that Baerbock is also scheduled to interact with representatives from the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) on issues related to AI governance and regulatory frameworks. The discussions are expected to focus on balancing innovation with ethical and policy safeguards as artificial intelligence becomes increasingly central to global governance debates.

Baerbock’s India visit is part of a broader diplomatic tour that will also include a stop in China. This marks her first visit to India in her capacity as President of the UN General Assembly, although she has previously engaged with the country during her tenure as Germany’s Foreign Minister. During earlier visits, she had highlighted India’s growing global role and its contributions to economic development and democratic governance.

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