United Nations General Assembly President Annalena Baerbock is set to visit India next week, as confirmed by her Spokesperson La Niece Collins. The visit, upon the invitation of the Indian government, will involve several bilateral meetings with officials, according to Collins. Baerbock will also engage with the UN team in India, headed by Resident Coordinator Stefan Priesner.
This visit marks the second high-level UN delegation to India following Secretary-General Antonio Guterres’ attendance at the AI Impact Summit in New Delhi in February. Baerbock, who has previously visited India and even used the New Delhi Metro during her tenure as Germany’s foreign minister to strengthen ties, is visiting as the General Assembly President for the first time.
During her earlier visit in 2022 as a minister, Baerbock emphasized India’s pivotal role in shaping the global order, particularly in the Indo-Pacific region. She praised India’s efforts in lifting 400 million people out of extreme poverty in just 15 years, highlighting the role of a pluralistic society, freedom, and democracy in fostering economic development, peace, and stability.
The Indo-Pacific region remains a key focus during Baerbock’s upcoming visit. Notably, during her previous visit, she signed a migration and mobility agreement aimed at facilitating the movement of skilled personnel. Additionally, she accompanied Chancellor Olaf Scholz during his 2024 visit to India for the German-Indian intergovernmental consultations, focusing on themes of innovation, mobility, and sustainability.
Germany, part of the G4 group alongside India, Brazil, and Japan, advocates for reforming the UN Security Council by adding permanent members. The G4 countries mutually support each other’s bids for permanent seats in a reformed Council. Baerbock has had multiple interactions with India’s External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar during his visits to Germany, international meetings, and G4 gatherings at the UN.
Following her visit to India, Baerbock is scheduled to travel to China.
