New Delhi, April 29 (ANI) — External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar said at the 11th Heads of Missions Conference that India’s global engagement has expanded significantly over the past decade, and that Indian diplomacy is prepared to promote national interests and achieve national goals amid a volatile international environment. He made the remarks while addressing India’s High Commissioners, Ambassadors and senior MEA officials, and reiterated the need for diplomacy that responds to changing global dynamics.
Earlier in the day, Jaishankar met Ecuador’s Foreign Minister Gabriela Sommerfeld Rosero, who is on her first official visit to India. The two discussed strengthening cooperation in trade, health, agriculture, digital technology and capacity building, and agreed to coordinate closely in multilateral forums. Jaishankar welcomed Ecuador’s decision to begin the process of joining the India-led International Solar Alliance and the International Big Cat Alliance, and noted Ecuador’s existing membership in the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure. They also finalised an agreement on funding for Quick Impact Projects to deepen the development partnership between the two countries. Rosero arrived in New Delhi for a three-day visit aimed at boosting bilateral ties.
Separately, Jaishankar held talks with Annalena Baerbock, President of the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly, covering UN reform, the Sustainable Development Goals, artificial intelligence and the conflict in West Asia. Jaishankar emphasized the importance of reforming multilateral institutions so they reflect current realities and the aspirations of the Global South, and expressed appreciation for Baerbock’s leadership at the UNGA. Baerbock’s visit, at Jaishankar’s invitation and part of a wider Asian tour, includes meetings with senior Indian officials, engagements with the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology, and consultations with the UN Country Team in India and Bhutan.
Jaishankar also noted these developments in a post on X, underscoring the government’s focus on leveraging diplomatic outreach to protect and advance national priorities.
