‘Partners for Multilateralism’: India to attend new non-superpower grouping’s inaugural session at UN

External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar will attend the inaugural “Partners for Multilateralism” (P4M) meeting in New York on Monday, September 21, 2026. India will join countries that support a stronger United Nations-based multilateral system and greater cooperation among nations. The European Union, Brazil, Kenya and Canada launched the P4M initiative to promote international cooperation beyond traditional power politics. The meeting will take place during the high-level week of the United Nations General Assembly. Jaishankar will lead India’s delegation during the UNGA sessions this week and will deliver India’s national address on September 26. His participation in the P4M meeting will allow India to engage with countries discussing reforms to global institutions. The grouping plans to focus on major international challenges, including artificial intelligence, climate change, health security, digital transformation and global peace.

India to Discuss UN Reforms and Global Multilateral Cooperation

The four founding leaders have outlined an agenda focused on strengthening the United Nations and other international institutions. European Council President Antonio Costa, Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, Kenyan President William Ruto and Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney have backed reforms to make global institutions more representative, legitimate, effective and trusted. The leaders said P4M would not create another exclusive international bloc. Instead, they want to build an open and flexible platform where countries from different regions and political systems can cooperate. The initiative will encourage governments to work together despite their differences and develop practical solutions to shared challenges. The founders have also highlighted the need to improve international institutions so they can respond to emerging issues. Their agenda includes climate change, artificial intelligence, health security and digital transformation, all of which require greater coordination among countries.

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India already participates in several major international groupings that promote cooperation on global issues. These include BRICS, the G20 and the G4, while India also remains associated with the Non-Aligned Movement. India’s participation in the P4M meeting will add another platform for discussions on multilateral cooperation and reforms. Officials have confirmed that Jaishankar will attend the inaugural P4M session in New York. The meeting will take place at 6:30 p.m. local time on September 21, followed by a press conference. Reports have indicated that it remains unclear whether India will join the joint message issued by the four founding countries. Jaishankar will continue India’s diplomatic engagements during the UN General Assembly week. His schedule includes the national address at the UNGA on September 26. India’s participation will allow it to present its views on global governance and international cooperation.

Jaishankar to Join P4M Meeting in New York

The P4M initiative has also highlighted the growing role of middle powers in international affairs. Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney previously called for greater cooperation among middle powers during his address at the World Economic Forum in Davos earlier this year. The P4M founders want countries from different regions to work together instead of creating another exclusive diplomatic group. Their proposal comes as governments face several challenges that cross national borders. Climate change, artificial intelligence, public health and digital technology have created issues that require coordinated international responses. The initiative also supports reforms within the United Nations and other multilateral organisations. United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has separately spoken about the limits of major powers and the importance of collective international action. The P4M founders have cited this broader need for cooperation while explaining their plans for a more flexible and inclusive multilateral framework.

The P4M meeting will take place as countries prepare for extensive discussions at the United Nations General Assembly. The founding countries want to strengthen international institutions and make them more responsive to the changing global environment. They have pointed to rising security challenges, climate risks, technological changes and health concerns as issues that require collective solutions. The initiative aims to bring together countries willing to cooperate across regional and political differences. P4M will focus on building coalitions for institutional reform and turning shared principles into practical action. Jaishankar’s participation will give India an opportunity to engage directly with the countries behind the initiative and discuss the future of multilateral cooperation. India will also use the UN General Assembly platform to present its wider foreign policy priorities. The discussions in New York could therefore add to the ongoing international debate over reforming global institutions and strengthening cooperation among nations.

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