Jaishankar meets U.N. chief Guterres, discusses key issues including Ukraine situation

EAM Jaishankar arrived in United Nations on April 13 evening following his visit to Washington

External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar on April 15 held a “wide ranging discussion” with U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres and exchanged views on the global impact of the Ukraine conflict as well as the situation in Afghanistan and Myanmar.

Mr. Jaishankar arrived in United Nations on April 13 evening following his visit to Washington.

“A wide ranging discussion with UNSG @antonioguterres. Exchanged views on the global impact of the Ukraine conflict, especially on food and energy security. Implications for developing countries are serious,” Mr. Jaishankar said on Twitter.

“Spoke about latest developments in respect of Afghanistan and Myanmar. Appreciate his interest in working with India to effectively address important contemporary challenges,” he said.

The Taliban seized power in Afghanistan on August 15, two weeks before the U.S.’ complete troop withdrawal on August 31 after a costly two-decade war. This forced Afghan President Ashraf Ghani, who was backed by the U.S.-led West, to flee the country to the UAE.

The Taliban insurgents stormed across Afghanistan and captured all major cities in a matter of days, as Afghan security forces trained and equipped by the U.S. and its allies melted away.

Mr. Jaishankar and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh were in Washington for the 2+2 Ministerial Dialogue with their US counterparts Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Secretary of Defence Lloyd J. Austin III.