Jaishankar Makes Zurich Stop Before India’s UNGA 2026 Mission in New York

External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar reached Zurich on September 21, 2026, during his onward journey to New York for the 81st United Nations General Assembly. His visit to Switzerland comes ahead of the UNGA’s high-level week, when governments from around the world gather in New York for discussions on major international and multilateral issues.

At Zurich Airport, Jaishankar was welcomed by Mridul Kumar, India’s Ambassador to Switzerland and Liechtenstein. The External Affairs Minister was subsequently briefed on the latest developments in India’s relations with Switzerland and Liechtenstein. The briefing covered recent diplomatic exchanges and high-level visits involving the three countries.

Jaishankar will now travel to New York, where he is set to head the Indian delegation during the high-level segment of the UN General Assembly. The UNGA remains one of the principal platforms for countries to present their positions on international affairs and engage with partners on issues affecting the wider global community.

The External Affairs Minister is scheduled to deliver India’s address to the General Assembly on September 26. Alongside his formal UN commitments, Jaishankar’s programme includes meetings with foreign ministers and other international counterparts. These engagements are expected to cover bilateral relations as well as broader matters of international cooperation.

The 81st UN General Assembly is being conducted under the theme “Restoring trust, managing transformation: A United Nations that delivers for all.” The session comes at a time when the international community is dealing with a range of challenges involving peace and security, development and multilateral cooperation.

For India, the UNGA high-level week provides an opportunity to engage directly with a wide range of countries and communicate its perspectives on important global developments. Jaishankar’s participation will combine India’s formal representation at the General Assembly with diplomatic meetings taking place alongside the main session.

His arrival in Zurich is therefore an initial stage of the minister’s wider international programme before the Indian delegation reaches New York. The upcoming UNGA engagements are expected to keep India’s foreign policy priorities and its approach to major international issues in focus as world leaders and senior officials meet at the United Nations.