Post by : Rameen Ariff

External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar provided a forthright critique of the United Nations (UN) on Friday, underlining its structural issues, credibility concerns, and an urgent call for reforms. Speaking at a Delhi event celebrating the UN's 80th anniversary, Jaishankar remarked, “All is not well with the UN,” citing a decision-making process that fails to represent its membership or tackle essential global challenges. He noted that the UN’s functions are increasingly mired in gridlock, with debates more polarized than ever, hindering any meaningful progress toward necessary reforms. Financial limitations further complicate the UN's capacity to address international issues effectively.

Jaishankar accentuated that all member countries have a dual responsibility: to maintain the UN while pursuing its reformation. He pointed out that the UN's existing framework reflects 1945 realities, making it inadequate for the challenges of 2025. The minister cautioned that without significant reform, the UN could lose its credibility and relevance in addressing urgent global concerns, including security, development, and cooperation.

He vehemently criticized the UN's approach to terrorism, raising critical doubts regarding the organization’s credibility. Jaishankar highlighted Pakistan's role as a UN Security Council member, referring to instances where they allegedly protect factions involved in terrorist activities. He stated, “Few examples illustrate the challenges surrounding the UN more clearly than its handling of terrorism,” arguing that equating victims and perpetrators undermines the organization’s integrity. The shielding of self-proclaimed terrorists from sanctions reflects poorly on the multilateral system’s credibility.

Jaishankar further contended that the UN’s commitment to maintaining global peace and security has become little more than “lip service.” He pointed out the stagnation of the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) Agenda 2030 as indicative of deepening distress within the Global South. He outlined how trade restrictions, supply chain dependencies, and political dominance signify pressing imbalances that the UN must urgently address. Jaishankar emphasized that reform isn’t just preferable but crucial for the UN to secure its role as an effective multilateral organization in the 21st century.

In spite of these significant issues, he reaffirmed the necessity of supporting the UN during this crisis, reiterating India’s dedication to multilateralism. While acknowledging the pressing structural and operational challenges, the minister insisted that supporting the UN remains vital for tackling global conflicts, developmental hurdles, and social inequalities. Jaishankar concluded that a fortified and restructured UN is essential for ensuring that multilateralism effectively serves the global community.

Jaishankar blended realism with a proactive call to action, urging all member states to acknowledge the UN’s shortcomings while collaborating to revitalize its mission. His observations underscore India’s active engagement in international diplomacy and reform, reinforcing the need for a stronger, credible, and revamped UN for global peace, security, and sustainable development.

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