Live: External Affairs Minister to address UN General Assembly tonight

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar is scheduled to address the UN General Assembly in New York on Saturday as India’s representative at its 81st session. Jaishankar is listed as the 18th speaker in the morning session of the General Debate, which begins at 9 am in New York, or 6.30 pm in India.

The 81st session of the UN General Assembly is being held under the theme “Restoring trust, managing transformation: A United Nations that delivers for all.”

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar is expected to address geopolitical conflicts, cross-border terrorism and the priorities of the Global South at the UN General Assembly. His engagements in New York also include maritime security, following India and Liberia’s launch of a group focused on protecting ships and seafarers. India’s exchanges with Pakistan over terrorism and the Indus Waters Treaty are likely to remain in focus.

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar sharply responded to a Pakistani journalist at the United Nations on Friday after he was asked when India would stop “sponsoring terrorism” in Pakistan.

“A terrorist country is asking me that question. Come on,” Jaishankar said.

The exchange took place at the UN headquarters after Jaishankar and Liberian Foreign Minister Sara Beysolow Nyanti spoke to reporters about the Group of Friends on Safety and Security of Shipping and Seafarers. The journalist called out his question as their remarks ended.

India's External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar will address the United Nations General Assembly in New York tonight. He is leading the Indian delegation at the United Nations.