India Co-Sponsors Inaugural P4M Summit at UN, Jaishankar Calls for Reformed Multilateralism

India has co-sponsored the inaugural Partners for Multilateralism, International Law, Peace and Prosperity (P4M) Summit, held on the sidelines of the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York on September 21, 2026. External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar represented India and called for stronger and reformed multilateralism amid geopolitical tensions, conflicts and pressure on the international order.

The initiative’s initial co-sponsors are Australia, Barbados, Brazil, Canada, the European Union, India and Kenya. Its declaration calls for a multilateral system that is more effective, representative and inclusive, while reaffirming support for international law and the UN Charter.

What is the P4M Summit?

P4M stands for Partners for Multilateralism, International Law, Peace and Prosperity. It is designed as an open platform for countries from different regions to promote dialogue, coalition-building and practical cooperation while supporting reform and modernisation of multilateral institutions.

The inaugural summit took place during the UN General Assembly High-Level Week as countries discussed ways to strengthen international cooperation at a time of growing geopolitical competition and global challenges.

P4M Summit 2026: Key Facts

Particular	Details
Summit	Partners for Multilateralism, International Law, Peace and Prosperity
Abbreviation	P4M
Edition	Inaugural summit
Date	September 21, 2026
Venue	United Nations, New York
Held during	81st UN General Assembly
India represented by	S. Jaishankar
Initial co-sponsors	Australia, Barbados, Brazil, Canada, European Union, India and Kenya
Main focus	Strengthening and reforming multilateral cooperation

Jaishankar Calls for Reformed Multilateralism

Addressing the summit, Jaishankar said the global order is under stress amid intense competition, geopolitical tensions and conflicts. He argued that multilateralism needs to play a stronger role in addressing these challenges.

He stressed that “reformed multilateralism” is essential, including more participative deliberations and transparent decision-making. He also said international law, rules and norms need to be consistently observed for multilateralism to function effectively.

Jaishankar Highlights the ‘4F’ Crisis

One of the important points raised by Jaishankar was the “4F” crisis, referring to:

• Fuel
• Food
• Fertiliser
• Finance

He said these challenges cannot be left unaddressed and also highlighted the need for frameworks and guardrails when new technologies and concerns emerge. On supply-chain vulnerabilities and chokepoints, he called for greater de-risking and diversification.

Major Issues Highlighted by India

India identified several areas where effective international cooperation remains important, including peace and international security, climate action and climate justice, emerging technologies, development finance, counter-terrorism, resilient supply chains, disaster preparedness and pandemic preparedness.

Jaishankar’s central argument was that progress on these challenges depends on countries maintaining a willingness to cooperate.

What Does the P4M Declaration Say?

The P4M declaration reaffirmed the importance of the multilateral system founded on the United Nations Charter while acknowledging that it needs to adapt to an increasingly interconnected, contested and multipolar world.

The participating countries committed to making multilateral institutions more effective, representative, inclusive and fit for purpose. They also supported cooperation on resilient global supply chains, international finance, digital transformation, artificial intelligence, climate change and global health.

The declaration specifically supports reforming and strengthening the United Nations, including through initiatives such as UN80.

Who Were the Initial Co-Sponsors?

The P4M declaration identifies seven initial co-sponsors:

Australia, Barbados, Brazil, Canada, European Union, India and Kenya.

The summit brought together senior representatives including European Council President António Costa, Kenyan President William Ruto, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, Barbados Prime Minister Mia Mottley, and representatives of Brazil, Canada and India.

Why is the P4M Initiative Important?

The initiative comes amid growing debate over whether existing global institutions adequately reflect contemporary political and economic realities.

The P4M declaration acknowledges growing polarisation, conflicts, violations of international law, economic coercion and pressure on supply chains. It seeks to strengthen international cooperation while supporting reforms that make multilateral institutions more representative and effective.

For India, participation is consistent with its stated support for reforms in multilateral institutions and greater participation of developing and emerging economies in global decision-making. India’s recent BRICS declaration similarly called for greater representation of emerging markets, developing countries and least-developed countries in international institutions.

Key Points for Exams

• India co-sponsored the inaugural P4M Summit.
• P4M: Partners for Multilateralism, International Law, Peace and Prosperity.
• The summit was held on September 21, 2026 in New York.
• It took place on the margins of the 81st UN General Assembly.
• India was represented by External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar.
• Initial co-sponsors: Australia, Barbados, Brazil, Canada, European Union, India and Kenya.
• Jaishankar called for reformed multilateralism, wider participation and transparent decision-making.
• The 4F crisis refers to Fuel, Food, Fertiliser and Finance.
• P4M supports reform and modernisation of multilateral institutions, particularly the United Nations.