Slovakia expresses support for India's candidature for UNSC non-permanent seat
New York, June 14
Slovakia's Minister of Foreign and European Affairs, Juraj Blanar, met External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar in New York and expressed the European nation's support for India's candidature for a non-permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council.
Describing the meeting between EAM Jaishankar and Blanar as "very productive", Slovakia's Ambassador to India, Robert Maxian, stated that the two ministers discussed preparations for Slovakia's V4 Presidency and the V4+India format, effective multilateralism, UN Security Council reform and cooperation on global security challenges.
In a post on X, Maxian stated, "Very productive meeting between Minister of Foreign and European Affairs Juraj Blanar and India's External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar reaffirmed the growing strategic partnership between Slovakia and India. The ministers discussed preparations for Slovakia's V4 Presidency and the V4+India format, effective multilateralism, UN Security Council reform and cooperation on global security challenges."
"Slovakia officially expressed its support for India's candidature for a non-permanent seat of the UN Security Council, while India had earlier extended its support for Slovakia's candidature. This India-Slovakia mutual endorsement reflects deep trust, comprehensive partnership and the excellent quality of bilateral relations," he added.
EAM Jaishankar launched India's campaign for a non-permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) for the 2028-29 term, outlining New Delhi's vision for a more representative, effective and future-ready global order.
On July 8, India's Ambassador to Slovakia, Apoorva Srivastava, held a meeting with Juraj Blanar and expressed India's commitment to further advance the bilateral partnership.
"Ambassador Apoorva Srivastava paid a farewell call on H.E. Juraj Blanar, Minister of Foreign and European Affairs of the Slovak Republic. She conveyed her heartfelt appreciation for his cooperation and support during her tenure as the Ambassador of India to the Slovak Republic," the Indian Embassy in Slovakia posted on X.
"Underscoring India's commitment to further advancing the friendly partnership between India and Slovakia, she expressed confidence that the bilateral relationship will continue to expand and deepen across multiple fronts in the times ahead," it added.
Last month, Prime Minister Narendra Modi was on a two-day State visit to Slovakia. During his visit, PM Modi met his Slovakian counterpart Robert Fico and President Peter Pellegrini, discussing diverse subjects with them during their talks, including those held at the Presidential Palace in Bratislava.
— IANS
Reader Comments
Mutually beneficial relationship - India supported Slovakia, now they support us. That's how diplomacy works. But I hope we also focus on strengthening ties with other European nations. Bilateral relations need constant nurturing.
It's good to see India getting support, but let's not forget that UNSC reform is a long road. A non-permanent seat is not the same as being a permanent member. India should aim for a permanent seat with veto power. That will truly reflect our global standing.
Great diplomacy by EAM Jaishankar! His visits and meetings are consistently yielding results. The V4+India format is a smart move - engaging with Central Europe can only strengthen India's position. Beyond just UNSC, this opens doors for trade and technology cooperation.
Interesting to see India building bridges with European countries. Slovakia may not be a major power, but every vote counts in UN elections. Smart strategy to secure smaller nations' support early on. India's campaign for 2028-29 seems well-planned.
One question - is this just symbolic support? What concrete benefits does India get from Slovakia backing us? Also, will Slovakia actively lobby other European countries for our candidature? Need more substance behind these diplomatic gestures.
We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.