Jaishankar meets UN chief Guterres, discusses ongoing conflicts, impact on Global South countries

External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar met United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres in New York on Tuesday, with the two leaders discussing ongoing global conflicts — including the war in Ukraine and the situation in West Asia — and their ripple effects on countries of the Global South. The meeting took place at the UN headquarters as Jaishankar concluded his engagements during the high-level week of the UN General Assembly (UNGA).

Meeting at UN headquarters

Jaishankar met Guterres on September 29, 2026, as he wrapped up a packed schedule on the margins of the UNGA. In a post on X, the External Affairs Minister said, “Glad to meet @UN Secretary General @antonioguterres today. Our discussions focused on ongoing conflicts and the need to mitigate their impact, especially on the Global South.”

Key points from the UN readout

A readout issued by the Secretary-General’s office said the two leaders discussed “multilateralism, India-UN cooperation, and geopolitical developments, including the war in Ukraine and the situation in the West Asia.” The Secretary-General also expressed appreciation for India’s cooperation with the United Nations, the readout noted.

Context: Final UNGA high-level week for Guterres

The meeting came during what is set to be Guterres’s final high-level UNGA week. His second five-year term as Secretary-General concludes in December 2026. Earlier this month, he visited India to attend the BRICS Leaders’ Summit, underscoring ongoing engagement with New Delhi in multilateral forums.

India’s statement at the General Debate

Delivering India’s national statement at the UNGA General Debate on September 26, Jaishankar publicly acknowledged Guterres’s decade of leadership at the helm of the UN. “After a decade of service and dedication to the cause of multilateralism, we will soon bid farewell to Secretary-General Antonio Guterres. India deeply values his many contributions, in particular, his personal support for Mission LiFE,” he said, referring to India’s initiative aimed at promoting sustainable lifestyles and climate-friendly practices.

Jaishankar’s hectic diplomatic outreach in New York

In a separate interaction at the Asia Society in New York, Jaishankar said he had engaged with “about 85–90 counterparts” over a “really very frantic week,” reflecting India’s intensive diplomatic outreach during the annual UN gathering. He also addressed an event at the Asia Society during his visit.

Significance

The meeting between Jaishankar and Guterres highlighted India’s emphasis on addressing the spillover effects of major conflicts on developing nations. With the UN chief’s tenure nearing its close, both sides signaled continuity in India–UN engagement and a shared focus on strengthening multilateral responses to geopolitical crises while mitigating their impact on the Global South.