Full Breakdown
Jaishankar Calls for Reformed Multilateralism as the Global Order Stresses
By Drooid · · How we work
Core Event: Inaugural P4M Summit and a Call for Multilateral Reform
On September 22, 2026, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar co-chaired the first Partners for Multilateralism, International Law, Peace & Prosperity (P4M) Summit on the sidelines of the 81st United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York. The summit, co-sponsored by India, the European Union, Brazil, Kenya, Canada and Australia, was framed as a platform to push “reformed multilateralism” – a more participative and transparent global decision-making architecture.
Background & Context
Jaishankar highlighted the “4F crisis” of fuel, food, fertiliser and finance as a concrete illustration of systemic vulnerabilities. A joint editorial noted that 2025 recorded the highest number of state-based armed conflicts since 1946 (35 countries) and the highest military spending ever (nearly $3 trillion), underscoring the urgency of collective action.
Key Figures & Groups
- S. Jaishankar – External Affairs Minister of India, co-chair of the P4M Summit.
- António Costa – President of the European Council, co-chair.
- Juraj Blanár – Foreign Minister of Slovakia, V4 representative supporting India’s UN Security Council bid.
- Andrii Sybiha – Foreign Minister of Ukraine, bilateral interlocutor on peace and security.
- Jean-Noël Barrot – French Foreign Minister, discussed the Ukraine and Gulf crises.
Data & Statistics
Official Statements & Responses
Jaishankar’s summit remarks stressed that multilateralism will succeed only when international law, rules and norms are scrupulously observed and when decision-making becomes more participative and transparent. He called for “frameworks and guardrails” for emerging technologies and for “de-risking and diversifying” supply chains to counter chokepoint dominance. The V4 foreign ministers, meeting India for the first “V4+India” format, reiterated support for India’s bid for a permanent seat on the UN Security Council, with Blanár stating that India, as a leading Global South nation, “must be at the table.” The Ministry of External Affairs confirmed that Jaishankar will address the UNGA General Debate on September 26.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Multilateralism will be best served when international law, rules and norms are scrupulously observed.” — S. Jaishankar
- “'The 4F crisis of fuel, food, fertiliser and finance cannot be left to itself.” — S. Jaishankar
On-the-Ground Reports
During the UNGA high-level week, Jaishankar held bilateral talks with Jean-Noël Barrot, Andrii Sybiha, Swiss Foreign Minister Ignazio Cassis, and Juraj Blanár, emphasizing deeper strategic partnerships and multilateral cooperation. He also met Hungarian Deputy Prime Minister Anita Orban and Ecuadorian Foreign Minister Roberto Kury.
What’s Next
- September 26: Jaishankar will deliver India’s address at the UNGA General Debate.
- Ongoing bilateral and plurilateral meetings are slated through the UNGA week, including further V4+India engagements.
- India will continue to champion “reformed multilateralism” and pursue its bid for a permanent UN Security Council seat in forthcoming diplomatic fora.
