Jaishankar to present India's case at UN General Assembly's 81st session on Sept 26

The 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York is drawing global attention. Heads of state and diplomats from major countries are gathering for the high-level week from September 22 to 29 amid rising geopolitical tensions worldwide, the crisis in the Middle East and economic pressures. External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar is leaving for New York to present India's position at this important forum.

The Ministry of External Affairs said on Sunday that Jaishankar will address the General Assembly's high-level session on September 26 and clearly set out India's perspective on the global stage. A high-level Indian delegation will accompany the minister on the visit. Besides his main address on September 26, Jaishankar will also take part in several multilateral and bilateral meetings.

India's role is seen as significant amid economic strain caused by food and energy prices, the climate crisis and ongoing military conflicts between various countries. India has always advocated dialogue, diplomacy and international cooperation, which is why Jaishankar's address is being closely watched around the world.

The General Assembly's high-level week will run from September 22 to 29, with the general debate held from September 22 to 26 and then on September 28. From the General Assembly's well-known green marble podium, heads of state, prime ministers and senior diplomats from the UN's 193 member states will speak on pressing global issues. This year's agenda is topped by sensitive issues including global peace and security, a faltering economy, rising sea levels, measures to prevent pandemics and the complete elimination of nuclear weapons.

The 81st session will be presided over by Bangladesh's Foreign Minister Khalilur Rahman. Several major world leaders will also take an active part in the session. US President Donald Trump will spend two days at the General Assembly, during which he will hold bilateral talks with leaders of Ukraine and the United Kingdom, as well as with several prominent politicians including New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani.

This 81st session is set to be historic in several respects. The term of current UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres ends later this year, in December, making this his last high-level session as secretary-general. Ahead of the session, Guterres released a special video message urging world leaders to set aside their differences and unite for peace, human dignity, justice and humanity.

In his message, Guterres said clearly that international cooperation, open dialogue and collective action are the only way to deal with the unprecedented challenges the world faces today. He said establishing global peace and providing relief to developing countries struggling with food and energy shortages are the shared responsibility of all nations. Against this backdrop, the session is seen as important in charting a new direction for the world.