S Jaishankar Strengthens India’s Ties with BIMSTEC, CARICOM, and CELAC at UNGA79
New York [US], September 28: External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar emphasized India’s commitment to enhancing relationships with BIMSTEC during a meeting of foreign ministers. This aligns with India’s Neighbourhood First Policy, Vision SAGAR, and Act East Policy. Jaishankar shared on social media, ‘Chaired the BIMSTEC informal Foreign Ministers’ meeting in New York, in preparation for the BIMSTEC Leaders’ Summit.’
The meeting focused on improving maritime and digital connectivity. Jaishankar stated, ‘Took stock of our close cooperation in health, food security, trade, investment, economy, and energy. Focused on improving physical, maritime, and digital connectivity across the region. Explored opportunities for capacity building, skill development, and improving people-to-people ties. Development of BIMSTEC Centres of Excellence is a collective resolve. Reaffirmed India’s commitment for wider engagement with BIMSTEC in line with Neighbourhood First, Vision SAGAR, and Act East Policy.’
Jaishankar also attended the India-CARICOM Foreign Ministers meeting, co-chaired with FM Dr. Vince Henderson of Dominica. Discussions included upgrading partnerships and deepening cooperation in health, IT, FinTech, capacity building, renewables, and food security. Jaishankar noted, ‘Our bonds with CARICOM draw from past experiences, address current needs, and aspire towards a brighter future.’
Additionally, Jaishankar co-chaired the India-CELAC Foreign Ministers’ Meeting with FM Enrique Reina. Key issues included Digital Public Infrastructure, health, clean energy, and capacity building. Jaishankar highlighted possibilities for greater engagement in AI, e-mobility, space, smart agriculture, and drones. He stated, ‘India and CELAC have a shared commitment to reformed multilateralism.’
On the sidelines of UNGA79, Jaishankar met with several counterparts, including FM Caspar Veldkamp of the Netherlands and FM Timco Mucunski of North Macedonia, discussing strategic issues, investment, connectivity, and regional cooperation.
Doubts Revealed
S Jaishankar -: S Jaishankar is India’s External Affairs Minister. He is responsible for managing India’s relationships with other countries.
BIMSTEC -: BIMSTEC stands for Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation. It is a group of countries around the Bay of Bengal working together on various issues.
CARICOM -: CARICOM stands for Caribbean Community. It is a group of countries in the Caribbean region that work together on economic and social issues.
CELAC -: CELAC stands for Community of Latin American and Caribbean States. It is a group of countries in Latin America and the Caribbean that collaborate on regional issues.
UNGA79 -: UNGA79 refers to the 79th session of the United Nations General Assembly, where leaders from around the world meet to discuss global issues.
maritime connectivity -: Maritime connectivity means improving transportation and communication between countries using sea routes.
digital connectivity -: Digital connectivity means improving internet and technology connections between countries.
e-mobility -: E-mobility refers to using electric vehicles like electric cars and bikes to reduce pollution.
clean energy -: Clean energy means using energy sources that do not pollute the environment, like solar and wind power.
