New York [US], September 29 (ANI): External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar met Canadian Foreign Minister Anita Anand on Monday in New York, marking a significant step toward strengthening ties between India and Canada. Jaishankar welcomed the recent appointment of High Commissioners between the two countries, describing it as a “welcome step” in rebuilding diplomatic relations.
“A good meeting with FM @AnitaAnandMP of Canada this morning in New York. The appointment of High Commissioners is welcome as we rebuild ties. Discussed further steps in that regard today. Look forward to welcoming FM Anand in India,” Jaishankar wrote on X.
The meeting was part of Jaishankar’s high-level engagements during the 80th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), where he participated in multiple bilateral and multilateral discussions, including meetings with UN Secretary-General António Guterres and Saudi Arabia’s Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan. “With team @IndiaUNNewYork at the @UN grounds as we conclude the High Level Week of #UNGA80,” Jaishankar posted on X.
A day earlier, Jaishankar spoke on the responses to global developments, the changing concept of the global workforce, and emerging trade arrangements at a panel discussion hosted by the Observer Research Foundation (ORF) on At The Heart of Development – Aid, Trade & Technology. He emphasised the need for capacity building, self-reliance, and south-south cooperation as responses to global challenges. “Technology, multi-polarity, self-reliance, south-south cooperation are part of one basket, which is a response to what is happening,” he said.
Jaishankar stressed the importance for large nations to develop national capacities, stating, “When you build national capacities and have national experiences, some of it is transposable to people who relate.” He cited India’s Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) as an example, noting that “many societies find the Indian model of DPI far more absorbable and relevant than a European or American model.”
On the global workforce, Jaishankar said, “This world will require a global workforce,” highlighting demographic challenges that will require new workplace models. He added that while housing and location are political debates, “there is no looking away from the reality that national demographics will not meet demand.” He called for “a more acceptable, contemporary, efficient model of a global workforce located in a distributed global workplace.”
On trade, Jaishankar noted that physical and digital connectivity has eased the process. “There are much smoother trade interfaces than there have been in human existence despite obstacles,” he said. He predicted the emergence of new trade arrangements between countries, driven by evolving geopolitical and economic realities.
Jaishankar concluded that “countries will feel the desire and compulsion to have new partners and regions,” adding that technology, trade, and connectivity will redefine the global order. At UNGA 80, he reiterated India’s readiness to take on greater responsibilities in global governance.
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