EAM S. Jaishankar holds bilateral, multilateral meetings on UNGA sidelines

The 79th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) held in September 2024 in New York served as a crucial platform for India to engage with global leaders on pressing issues. External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar's series of bilateral and multilateral meetings, particularly with Netherlands Foreign Minister Tom Berendsen, underscores India's proactive diplomacy. The meeting focused on the Ukraine conflict and followed up on commitments from Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to the Netherlands in 2022. This engagement highlights India's balanced approach to international relations, maintaining ties with both Western nations and Russia. Background: The UNGA is the main deliberative, policymaking, and representative organ of the UN, established in 1945 under the UN Charter. Each year, world leaders gather to discuss global challenges. India, a founding member of the UN, has historically used the UNGA to voice its concerns on terrorism, peacekeeping, and development. The Ukraine conflict, ongoing since Russia's invasion in February 2022, has polarized global politics, with India advocating for dialogue and diplomacy while abstaining from UN resolutions condemning Russia. India's relationship with the Netherlands, a key EU member, has strengthened through trade (bilateral trade stood at $17.4 billion in 2022-23) and cooperation in climate change, technology, and investment. Key stakeholders: EAM Jaishankar represents India's foreign policy interests, while Netherlands Foreign Minister Tom Berendsen represents a nation that is a major investor in India (Dutch FDI inflows to India were $4.6 billion in 2022-23). The discussions also involve multilateral bodies like the UN, EU, and NATO, given the Ukraine conflict's global ramifications. Prime Minister Modi's visit to the Netherlands in 2022 focused on deepening ties in areas like water management, agriculture, and renewable energy. Significance for India: The meetings are vital for India's economic growth, as the Netherlands is a gateway to Europe and a source of technology and investment. Politically, India's stance on Ukraine—emphasizing sovereignty and territorial integrity while maintaining strategic autonomy—enhances its credibility as a voice of the Global South. Socially, cooperation on climate change aligns with India's commitments under the Paris Agreement (2015) and its updated Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) to reduce emissions intensity by 45% by 2030 and achieve 50% non-fossil fuel capacity. Technology collaboration supports India's Digital India and Make in India initiatives. Constitutional provisions: India's foreign policy is conducted under Article 51 of the Constitution (Directive Principles of State Policy), which directs the State to promote international peace and security, foster respect for international law, and encourage settlement of international disputes by arbitration. The UNGA participation reflects India's commitment to these principles. Additionally, the Treaty-making power under Article 253 allows Parliament to make laws for implementing international treaties, which is relevant for agreements on trade, climate, and technology. Broader themes: This event connects to India's multi-alignment strategy, balancing relations with major powers. It also ties into India's G20 presidency in 2023, where it championed issues of the Global South. The Ukraine conflict has disrupted global food and energy security, affecting India's imports and inflation. India's diplomatic efforts at UNGA aim to mitigate these impacts. Future implications: India is likely to continue high-level engagements at UNGA and other forums to attract investment and technology, especially in green energy and digital infrastructure. The follow-up on Modi's Netherlands visit may lead to agreements on water management and smart cities. On Ukraine, India may intensify peace efforts, possibly hosting peace talks. The upcoming UNGA sessions will also focus on UN Security Council reforms, where India seeks permanent membership. Thus, Jaishankar's meetings are a microcosm of India's dynamic foreign policy, balancing national interests with global responsibilities.