Vatican Diplomat Meets Indian External Affairs Minister, Discusses Bilateral Relations

Archbishop Paul Richard Gallagher, Secretary for Relations with States and International Organisations of the Holy See, recently met with Dr. S. Jaishankar, India’s External Affairs Minister, and his team in New Delhi.

The meeting was part of Archbishop Gallagher's official diplomatic visit to India, aimed at strengthening bilateral relations between the Holy See and the Republic of India.

Described as warm and constructive, the meeting saw both sides emphasize the importance of faith as a unifying force in an increasingly divided world. Archbishop Gallagher, the Vatican’s top diplomat, shared insights into the Church’s commitment to peace, human dignity, and the common good, and how these principles continue to guide its international engagement.

The conversation highlighted the Church’s long-standing mission to act as a bridge in areas of conflict, whether through humanitarian assistance, interfaith cooperation, or quiet diplomatic efforts behind the scenes.

Archbishop Gallagher reiterated the Vatican’s willingness to collaborate with international organizations and nation-states to promote reconciliation, especially in regions marked by violence and injustice.

The Archbishop stressed that faith plays a crucial role in healing societies and restoring hope. He emphasized that spiritual values such as compassion, forgiveness, and solidarity must inform both national and international efforts to tackle the root causes of conflict, including poverty, inequality, and social exclusion.

The meeting concluded with a shared recognition of the need for ongoing dialogue and engagement between religious and political institutions.

Both parties expressed hope that such interactions would lead to greater cooperation and more effective responses to the pressing challenges confronting humanity today.