External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar arrived in Zurich, Switzerland, on September 21, 2026, while travelling to New York to participate in the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA). His Zurich stop comes ahead of the high-level week of the UNGA, where he will lead the Indian delegation and represent New Delhi on key international issues.
Jaishankar was warmly received at Zurich Airport by Ambassador Mridul Kumar, India’s Ambassador to Switzerland and Liechtenstein. According to the Embassy of India in Switzerland and Liechtenstein, the ambassador briefed the External Affairs Minister on recent developments in India’s relations with Switzerland and Liechtenstein, including recent high-level visits involving the countries.
Following his transit through Switzerland, Jaishankar is travelling onward to New York for the 81st UN General Assembly. The high-level General Debate is scheduled from September 22 to 28 and will bring together leaders and senior representatives from all 193 UN member states. The 2026 session is being held under the theme “Restoring trust, managing transformation: A United Nations that delivers for all.”
During the UNGA high-level week, Jaishankar is scheduled to participate in bilateral and plurilateral engagements with international counterparts. His address to the UN General Assembly is scheduled for September 26, according to information released by the Ministry of External Affairs.
The UNGA session is expected to address a wide range of international issues, including global cooperation, peace and security, sustainable development, humanitarian challenges and other matters of international importance. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has also called for stronger international dialogue, cooperation and collective action as world leaders gather in New York for the annual high-level meeting.
Jaishankar’s arrival in Zurich therefore marks an initial stop in his journey to New York, where India is set to engage with countries from across the world during the UNGA high-level week. His meetings and participation at the United Nations will provide an important platform for India to present its positions on major global and foreign policy issues.