In New Delhi, the UN General Assembly president will hold a bilateral meeting with the External Affairs Minister, S. Jaishankar.
The discussions are expected to focus on the his priorities, ongoing geopolitical tensions, and India’s engagement and contribution to the United Nations, reiteration of invitation to participate in the inaugural Sustainability Week (15-19 April 2024, in New York) and reflections on the Summit of the Future, which will take place in September 2024, in New York, the statement said.
Francis will lay a wreath at Raj Ghat, Mahatma Gandhi’s Memorial and attend public engagements in New Delhi, including an address at the Indian Council of World Affairs under the theme of his Presidency: “Peace, Progress, Prosperity, and Sustainability.”
Thereafter he is scheduled to deliver remarks at an event on Digital Public Infrastructure highlighting India’s leadership in championing the interests of the Global South and sharing experiences on further efforts to close the digital divide.
Furthermore, he will visit Jaipur, where he is expected to appreciate the work of an NGO specialized at providing affordable and accessible prosthetic limbs. In Mumbai, the last leg of his official visit, Francis will participate in a Fireside Chat event with India’s think tank on “New Orientation for Reformed Multilateralism”. He will also be received at the National Stock Exchange in Mumbai.
He is being accompanied by his Chef de Cabinet, his Special Adviser on Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment, a Sustainable Development Adviser, as well as a Communications Adviser.
