India's Growing Role Highlighted at UN General Assembly

Even before External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar's address to the UN General Assembly, India was overshadowed in different contexts in the speeches of leaders of 11 countries. India, Prime Minister Narendra Modi or Indian citizens were mentioned on issues such as Security Council reform, climate change, nuclear weapons, Indo-Pacific, trade, and artificial intelligence (AI). According to media reports, most leaders highlighted India's growing role and need for cooperation with it, while some also raised issues related to Indian citizens. The General Assembly will last until 28 September. Portuguese Prime Minister Luis Montenegro advocated for permanent membership of India, citing the need for Security Council reform. He also offered permanent representation to African countries and Brazil, along with India. Nepal's Prime Minister Balen Shah proposed the creation of a'Himalayan Resilience Mechanism'led by Nepal, India, and China, referring to the growing threat to the Hindu Kush Himalayas from climate change. He also expressed gratitude to India for its support in satellite data, glacier warning, and China's early flood monitoring.