Jaishankar Meets French, Ecuadorian Counterparts in New York

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar holds talks with French and Ecuadorian counterparts in New York, focusing on global developments, economic cooperation, mobility and UN Security Council reform.

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar holds separate meetings with French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot and Ecuadorian Foreign Minister Roberto Kury in New York on the sidelines of the 81st United Nations General Assembly session. The engagements focus on strengthening bilateral partnerships and exchanging views on major regional and global developments.

During his meeting with Barrot, Jaishankar discusses the progress of the India-France Special Global Strategic Partnership. The two ministers review regional and international developments, particularly the ongoing situations in Ukraine and the Gulf region. They also exchange views on multilateral issues, including the need for reform of the United Nations Security Council.

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France and India also reaffirm their commitment to international law and multilateral cooperation. France’s Foreign Ministry states that the ministers discuss Ukraine, freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz and Bab el-Mandeb, as well as cooperation in defence, new technologies and higher education. Both sides reiterate their support for reforming the UN Security Council.

Following his engagement with the French foreign minister, Jaishankar meets Ecuadorian Foreign Minister Roberto Kury. Their discussions focus on expanding economic ties, particularly in energy and pharmaceuticals. The two sides also examine cooperation in mobility, personnel training and development partnerships. Multilateral cooperation, including engagement through the United Nations, forms another important part of the discussions.

India and Ecuador have expanded cooperation in capacity building and professional training. Over the past five years, 223 Ecuadorian professionals receive specialised training, while 813 people are trained through an India-funded Centre of Excellence in Information Technology established at an Ecuadorian university.

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Jaishankar’s meetings take place as India participates in the high-level UN General Assembly proceedings in New York. He is scheduled to address the General Debate on September 26, with his diplomatic engagements also covering broader issues of multilateral cooperation and international partnerships.