India has joined the European Union, Australia, Brazil and Canada in launching a new platform focused on strengthening multilateralism, international law, peace and inclusive prosperity.
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar participated in the inaugural Partners for Multilateralism, International Law, Peace and Prosperity (P4M) Summit in New York on September 21, on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly. The meeting brought together leaders and senior representatives from several countries, including European Council President Antonio Costa, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, Brazilian Foreign Minister Mauro Vieira, Barbados Prime Minister Mia Mottley, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney and Kenyan President William Ruto.
Jaishankar said India was joining the initiative at a time when the global order was facing geopolitical tensions, conflicts and growing competition. He stressed the need for reforms that would make multilateral institutions more representative and transparent.
According to Jaishankar, greater cooperation is required to address challenges ranging from international security and climate justice to emerging technologies, development finance, supply-chain resilience, pandemics and terrorism.
He also highlighted the need to deal with the wider economic consequences of conflicts, including their impact on fuel, food, fertilisers and financial systems. He called for greater diversification and efforts to reduce vulnerabilities caused by potential supply-chain disruptions.
European Council President Antonio Costa said the meeting demonstrated continued international support for cooperation despite growing divisions. He called for greater adherence to the UN Charter and peaceful settlement of disputes, along with action on climate finance, sustainable development and artificial intelligence.
The participating countries have agreed to establish a coordination mechanism involving senior officials and identify priority areas for joint action. Other countries have also been invited to join the initiative.
A joint declaration issued after the summit described the multilateral system based on the UN Charter as essential, while calling for reforms to make global institutions more effective, representative, inclusive and capable of addressing emerging challenges.
The declaration also backed stronger economic cooperation, resilient supply chains, reform of the multilateral trading system and improvements to the international financial architecture. It further called for greater coordination on digital transformation, artificial intelligence and global health.
The initiative comes amid discussions over reforming international institutions and strengthening cooperation on global challenges that increasingly cross national borders.
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