EAM Jaishankar Strengthens Regional Ties in Key Ministerial Meetings
External Affairs Minister (EAM) S. Jaishankar engaged in multiple ministerial meetings with key regional groups, focusing on enhancing India's cooperation across various sectors. These meetings underscored India's commitment to fostering stronger ties in regions such as South Asia, Latin America, and the Caribbean.
Jaishankar chaired the meeting of the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC) and co-chaired sessions with regional groups in Latin America and the Caribbean. Sharing details on X, he highlighted the importance of the BIMSTEC gathering, which was held in preparation for an upcoming leaders' summit to be hosted by Thailand. The discussions, according to Jaishankar, revolved around deepening cooperation in areas such as health, food security, trade, investment, and energy.
“India remains committed to engaging more widely with BIMSTEC in line with its ‘Neighbourhood First’, ‘Vision SAGAR’, and ‘Act East Policy’”, he posted. The ministerial meeting focused on strengthening physical, maritime, and digital connectivity across the region and explored opportunities for capacity building, skill development, and enhancing people-to-people ties. The meeting also reaffirmed collective support for the BIMSTEC Centres of Excellence, which aim to accelerate economic and social development through technical and educational initiatives.
BIMSTEC comprises seven member nations that seek to collaborate on a wide array of sectors, with a focus on boosting economic growth and social welfare through regional cooperation.
In a separate engagement, EAM Jaishankar co-chaired the India-CARICOM Foreign Ministers meeting with Dominica’s Foreign Minister Vince Henderson. The discussions centered on advancing partnerships and exploring deeper cooperation in fields like health, IT, financial technology, capacity building, renewables, and food security. Jaishankar emphasized the historical bonds shared between India and CARICOM, which draw from past experiences while aiming to address current needs and future aspirations.
CARICOM, short for the Caribbean Community, consists of 15 member states, including Guyana, Suriname, and Trinidad and Tobago, which have significant Indian diaspora populations. The meeting underscored India’s long-standing relationship with these nations, built on shared values and mutual respect.
Additionally, Jaishankar co-chaired the India-CELAC Foreign Ministers Meeting with Honduras Foreign Minister Enrique Reina. CELAC, the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States, comprises 33 nations, and the discussions focused on leveraging opportunities in digital public infrastructure, clean energy, and capacity building. Highlighting the agenda, Jaishankar mentioned prospects for collaboration in emerging technologies, including Artificial Intelligence, e-mobility, smart agriculture, and drones.
“Our political cooperation and deepening economic linkages advance South-South cooperation”, Jaishankar wrote, reiterating the shared commitment to reformed multilateralism between India and CELAC.
In bilateral discussions, Jaishankar continued his diplomatic outreach, meeting with Turkmenistan's Deputy Prime Minister Rasit Meredow and Uzbekistan’s Foreign Minister Bakhtiyor Saidov. He also held talks with the UAE Foreign Minister Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed, Romanian Foreign Minister Luminita Odobescu, Denmark’s Foreign Minister Lars Lokke Rasmussen, and Netherlands Foreign Minister Caspar Veldkamp.
Jaishankar’s meetings also extended to discussions on Ukraine with Odobescu and Rasmussen, while investment and connectivity were central themes in his talks with North Macedonia Foreign Minister Timco Mucunski.
Rounding off his series of engagements, Jaishankar met Singapore’s Foreign Minister Vivian Balakrishnan, further underscoring India’s active and diverse diplomatic interactions during the UN General Assembly.