India & V4 Forge Stronger Ties: A New Era of Cooperation at UNGA!
India & V4 Forge Stronger Ties: A New Era of Cooperation at UNGA!
External Affairs Minister Jaishankar meets Visegrad Group at UNGA for first-ever summit, boosting cooperation & gaining key support for India's UN Security Council bid.
External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar has hailed the inaugural meeting between India and the Visegrad Group (V4) as a "historic occasion." The pivotal discussion, held on the sidelines of the 81st UN General Assembly in New York on September 22, 2026, saw India and the four-member bloc—comprising Poland, Hungary, Slovakia, and the Czech Republic—agree to significantly enhance their political, economic, and defence cooperation.
This landmark gathering marks a new chapter in India's engagement with Central European nations. The V4, known for its focus on regional cooperation in military, economic, cultural, and energy affairs, now adds India to its collaborative horizon, promising broader strategic alignments.
A key highlight from the meeting was Slovakia's explicit backing for India's bid for a permanent seat on the UN Security Council.
This endorsement from a European nation underscores growing international support for India's larger role in global governance and multilateral institutions.
Minister Jaishankar also seized the opportunity at the UNGA to stress the critical need for stronger multilateralism amidst a "global order under stress." He advocated for greater international cooperation to tackle ongoing conflicts and navigate the challenges posed by emerging technologies, reinforcing India's commitment to a more collaborative global framework.
The first 'Partners for Multilateralism' summit, co-chaired by India in New York, further solidified this stance.
