External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar highlighted the Global South's frontline role in global crises during a high-level meeting of like-minded nations on the sidelines of the 81st United Nations General Assembly (UNGA). Speaking at the meeting under the theme 'Navigating Together Towards a Brighter Future - the Compelling Case for an Empowered Global South,' Jaishankar noted that the region is 'in the front row of global crises, but in the back row of decision-making.' He attributed this to institutions created for a different era that continue to reflect the power structures of that time, according to a report in the Times of India.

Jaishankar stressed the need for global governance reforms, particularly in the United Nations, as the world faces 'considerable global uncertainty' marked by conflicts, geopolitical tensions, disrupted supply chains, and climate shocks. He called for fair economic and trade practices that enhance developing countries' production capabilities, emphasizing that 'our right to industrialise must not be denied.' The minister also raised concerns about the safety of seafarers and the need to secure the maritime commons, ensuring international law is observed.

The Indian Express reported that Jaishankar's remarks were part of a broader push for multilateralism, as the world has seen an increase in active conflicts that pose a significant risk to the global economy, especially for the Global South. Participants in the meeting expressed shared concerns over the weakening of multilateral institutions and the urgent need for comprehensive reforms. Jaishankar also called for an effective UN Security Council and collaboration in the fields of AI and space, as well as the India-UAE-France trilateral.

During his UNGA High Level Week activities, Jaishankar held bilateral and multilateral meetings with foreign ministers from various countries, including the G4 nations of India, Brazil, Germany, and Japan. The G4 ministers discussed the imperative of reformed multilateralism and a more representative UN Security Council. Jaishankar also met with Nepalese, Qatari, Philippine, and German officials, focusing on regional issues such as the Gulf situation, the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC), and the Ukraine conflict.

In a separate conversation, US President Donald Trump expressed support for the IMEC, which was mooted by New Delhi in 2023. Trump mentioned the need to shift energy infrastructure away from Iranian checkpoints amid multiple strikes on West Asian countries during the war. However, no response has been provided from any organisation or individual criticised in the report. The report does not specify the exact nature of the reforms or the timeline for their implementation, leaving these aspects unclear.