At the invitation of External Affairs Minister (EAM) Dr. S. Jaishankar, the President of the 78th Session of the United Nations General Assembly (PGA), H. E. Mr. Dennis Francis visited India from 22-26 January 2024.
Belonging to the diplomatic service of Trinidad and Tobago, H.E. Dennis Francis has announced his Presidency priorities to include peace, prosperity, progress and sustainability. The theme of his Presidency of the 78th UNGA is “Rebuilding trust and reigniting solidarity.” During the visit, PGA was held talks with EAM on key multilateral issues of mutual interest.
In New Delhi, PGA was paid homage to Mahatma Gandhi at Rajghat. PGA was also attended a round table on India’s advancements in Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI). PGA was also deliverd a public address at the Indian Council of World Affairs (ICWA) on “Multilateralism and Peace, Prosperity, Progress, and Sustainability” on 24 January 2024.
PGA also travelled to Jaipur and Mumbai. In Mumbai, he was paid floral tributes at the 26/11 memorial. PGA’s engagements in Mumbai include a visit to the National Stock Exchange and address on New Orientation for Reformed Multilateralism organized by the Observer Research Foundation (ORF).
On 26 January, on the occasion of Republic Day, PGA was participated as a State guest in the Republic Day Parade of Maharashtra.
PGA’s visit to India presents a unique opportunity to strengthen India-UN ties and especially with the General Assembly, which is the most representative organ of the United Nations. A discussion during the visit was including India’s call for reforms of the United Nations, particularly the Security Council, to make it more equitable and representative with a view to enhancing representation of developing countries. The visit was also an opportunity to enhance India’s collaboration with the United Nations on Indian priorities as well as the global challenges being faced by the Global South.