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External Affairs Minister (EAM) Dr. S. Jaishankar meets Secretary-General of the United Nations Mr. Antonio Guterres

 

PERMANENT MISSION OF INDIA TO THE UNITED NATIONS

NEW YORK

 

PRESS RELEASE

 

External Affairs Minister (EAM) Dr. S. Jaishankar, who is visiting New York met with the Secretary General of the United Nations Mr. Antonio Guterres today.

 

2. The Secretary General expressed solidarity with the Government and the people of India in their efforts against the recent wave of COVID-19 pandemic.  EAM appreciated the efforts of the Secretary General to facilitate ‘Vaccines for All’. He and the Secretary General discussed the need to ramp up global vaccine production through expanded supply chains. This was imperative to ensure fairer distribution of vaccines globally in the coming days. The proposal by India and South Africa for TRIPS waiver of vaccine patents can also contribute to greater production and more equity.

 

3. EAM and the Secretary General discussed ongoing global endeavours to address the challenges of climate change.  EAM apprised the Secretary General of India’s efforts to meet its Paris commitments, enhance renewable energy goals, as well as its leadership role in the International Solar Alliance and Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure. They agreed that greater ambitions required more resources and greater commitment from the developed world.

 

4. EAM outlined India’s priorities for its Presidency of the Security Council in August 2021, including high-level events on Maritime Security and on Technology and Peacekeeping. He underlined our strong development partnership with Africa, Small States and Small Island Developing States. The Secretary General conveyed his appreciation for the consistent role played by Indian peacekeepers in support of international peace and security. Their response in aiding the people of Goma in the Democratic Republic of Congo following the volcanic eruption was recognised.

 

5. EAM and the Secretary General also had a discussion on regional challenges in India’s neighbourhood. They shared their concerns about ensuring that the gains of the last two decades in Afghanistan are adequately protected. Countering terrorism and radicalization remain priorities for the entire region. They also discussed recent developments in Myanmar.

 

6. EAM conveyed that India values Secretary General’s leadership of the United Nations, especially in these challenging times. He conveyed India’s support for his candidature for re-election for a second term.

 

New York

25th May 2021