UNGA President to begin India visit from today

New Delhi, Jan 21: At the behest of India's External Affairs Minister, Dr S. Jaishankar, the President of the 78th Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), Dennis Francis, is set to visit India spanning from January 22 to January 26.

Hailing from the diplomatic circles of Trinidad and Tobago, President Dennis Francis has outlined his key priorities for his UNGA presidency, focusing on themes of peace, prosperity, progress, and sustainability.

The overarching theme for his tenure is "Rebuilding trust and reigniting solidarity." During his visit, President Francis will engage in discussions with Dr S Jaishankar on multilateral issues of common interest.

In New Delhi, the UNGA President will pay respects to Mahatma Gandhi at Rajghat. Additionally, he is scheduled to participate in a round table discussing India's advancements in Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI). A public address at the Indian Council of World Affairs (ICWA) on "Multilateralism and Peace, Prosperity, Progress, and Sustainability” is slated for January 24, 2024.

President Francis will also visit Jaipur and Mumbai.In Mumbai. President Dennis Francis will participate as a State guest in the Republic Day Parade of Maharashtra.

The discussions during the visit are expected to encompass India's advocacy for reforms within the United Nations, specifically focusing on the Security Council, to render it more equitable and representative, thereby enhancing the inclusion of developing countries.

The visit also serves as a platform to bolster India's collaboration with the United Nations on both Indian priorities and the global challenges confronting the Global South.