New Delhi: External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar on Thursday called for urgent reforms in global governance while highlighting key concerns of the Global South at the G7 Foreign Ministers’ Meeting (FMM) in France.
Speaking at a session with invited partners, Jaishankar stressed the need for reforms in the United Nations Security Council, streamlining peacekeeping operations, and strengthening humanitarian supply chains.
In a post on X, he also drew attention to pressing challenges faced by the Global South, including energy security, fertiliser availability, and food security.
In another session, the minister shared India’s perspective on the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC), underlining its growing relevance amid global uncertainties. He noted that ongoing conflicts in West Asia have reinforced the need for resilient trade corridors and diversified supply chains.
Jaishankar also highlighted that India’s free trade agreements with the EU, European Free Trade Association members, and the UK have enhanced the strategic and economic utility of IMEC. He expressed appreciation for the broad international support and enthusiasm for advancing the connectivity initiative.
The G7 Foreign Ministers’ Meeting is being held at Abbaye des Vaux-de-Cernay in France, bringing together key global partners to discuss pressing geopolitical and economic challenges.
Separately, Jaishankar held talks with the French Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs, Jean-Noël Barrot, on the sidelines of the G7 FMM.
The participation of India’s external affairs minister in this meeting underscores France’s commitment to closely aligning India, currently holding the BRICS presidency, with its G7 presidency, the French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs said in a press release.
Both ministers welcomed Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s confirmation of his participation in the Évian Summit (June 15-17). In this context, the ministers underscored India’s contribution to the G7’s work, in particular on major macroeconomic imbalances and international partnerships and solidarity.
Jaishankar and Barrot also held extensive discussions on the situation in the Middle East. They agreed to continue their close coordination with a view to working jointly towards ensuring the security of the Strait of Hormuz.
