EAM Jaishankar meets EU Foreign Ministers in New York, holds talks on multilateralism, Ukraine and Gaza

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Monday, September 22, attended a special informal meeting of European Union Foreign Ministers in New York, where discussions centred on multilateralism, the Ukraine conflict, the Gaza crisis, energy and trade, reported by ANI. The talks, hosted by EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly, also brought in ministers from Brazil and Mexico.

India's role highlighted

Jaishankar said the meeting provided an open exchange of views on the India–EU partnership and wider global concerns. EU Ambassador to India Herve Delphin noted that Jaishankar's perspectives were "much appreciated" by the ministers present.

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EU stresses multilateralism and trade

Kallas described the EU as a "reliable actor" committed to free trade, multilateral cooperation and the UN Charter. She said deepening ties with India and Mexico was a priority, pointing to ongoing work to update free trade agreements.

Gaza crisis termed a 'failure of humanity'

On West Asia, Kallas called the situation in Gaza a "devastating failure of humanity" and urged Israel to ease humanitarian restrictions. She stressed that settlement expansion and annexation were incompatible with peace, while demanding that Hamas release hostages and lay down arms.

Firm stand on Russia's war in Ukraine

The EU High Representative accused Moscow of showing "absolute contempt for diplomacy" through repeated strikes and airspace violations. She said peace prospects were receding, adding that the EU had recently unveiled a new sanctions package against Russia.

Call to defend rules-based order

The discussions concluded with a joint emphasis on safeguarding the multilateral system anchored in the UN Charter. Kallas said that cooperation with India, Brazil and Mexico was crucial both economically and for protecting the rules-based international order.