External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar on Wednesday highlighted India’s digital public infrastructure (DPI) model and its role in strengthening governance, financial responsibility and economic opportunities while representing the country at the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) 2026 in Antigua and Barbuda.
Addressing the Commonwealth Heads of Government Executive Session, Jaishankar also spoke about India’s recent free trade agreements (FTAs) and ongoing negotiations, saying such arrangements would help promote predictable trade and resilient supply chains.
In a post on X, the External Affairs Minister said India’s experience with digital public infrastructure demonstrated how technology could expand opportunities and make economies more inclusive.
“Honoured to represent India at the Commonwealth Heads of Government Executive Session. Highlighted the value of digital public infrastructure for good governance and financial responsibility. Has helped democratize our economies by expanding opportunities. The Indian example is instructive. Also spoke about India’s recent FTAs and other negotiations underway in that regard. Such understandings will contribute to predictable trade and resilient supply chains,” Jaishankar said.
Jaishankar arrived in Antigua and Barbuda for the high-level Commonwealth gathering, where he was received at the airport by Foreign Affairs Minister Everly Chet Greene and Tourism and Civil Aviation Minister Charles Fernandes.
“Delighted to arrive in Antigua and Barbuda for #CHOGM2026. Touched by the gesture of FM Everly Chet Greene and Tourism & Civil Aviation Minister Charles Fernandes, receiving me at the airport. Look forward to engagements here,” he said in a separate post on X.
The Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting is being held in St John’s from November 1 to 4 under the theme “Accelerating Partnerships and Investment for a Prosperous Commonwealth”.
The summit brings together leaders and representatives from Commonwealth member countries to discuss key priorities, including economic development, trade, climate action and international cooperation.
Earlier, on Tuesday, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said Secretary (West) Sibi George addressed the Pre-CHOGM Commonwealth Foreign Ministers Meeting in St John’s ahead of the leaders’ summit.
According to the MEA, George called for greater emphasis on tangible, people-centric outcomes, including democratising technology for development, strengthening climate action and disaster resilience, and promoting reformed multilateralism to advance shared Commonwealth interests and values.
India has increasingly highlighted its digital public infrastructure initiatives as a model for improving public service delivery, expanding financial inclusion and supporting inclusive economic growth.
Jaishankar’s remarks on FTAs also reflected India’s efforts to strengthen economic partnerships through trade agreements and negotiations aimed at improving market access, facilitating commerce and ensuring more predictable trading conditions.
The External Affairs Minister’s participation in CHOGM follows his visit to the United States, where he attended the G20 Foreign Ministers’ Meeting in Atlanta on October 30 and 31.
During the visit, he also participated in a Quad Foreign Ministers’ Meeting and held bilateral discussions with his counterparts.
