“How has the UN lived up to expectations?” This poignant question was raised by Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, who highlighted the ongoing conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East, as well as numerous other “hotspots” worldwide that rarely make headlines. His remarks come at a time when the United Nations faces increasing scrutiny regarding its effectiveness in addressing critical global issues.
Jaishankar expressed deep concern over the apparent lack of global solidarity on pressing matters. He pointed to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which are currently off track for completion by the 2030 deadline, calling the situation “a sorry picture.” The minister criticized what he described as “recirculated commitments and creative accounting” that have come to characterize climate action efforts, and he condemned wealthy nations for insulating themselves from the realities of energy and food insecurity. Meanwhile, resource-stressed countries are left to “scramble to survive,” only to be met with “sanctimonious lectures” from those better off.
The minister outlined a range of global economic challenges, including “tariff volatility and uncertain market access,” issues of technological control, and restrictions affecting supply chains and critical minerals. He emphasized the need for enhanced international cooperation to tackle these issues, while questioning the UN’s capacity to facilitate such collaboration. “The UN is in a state of crisis,” he declared, citing a gridlock caused in part by a resistance to reform, despite a clear desire among most member states for change. “It is imperative that we see through the cynicism and purposefully address the reform agenda,” he insisted.
In discussing terrorism, Jaishankar referenced the long-standing tensions with Pakistan, noting that major international terrorist attacks have been traced back to India’s neighbor for decades. He affirmed that India has the right to defend its people and pursue justice against terrorist threats. He stressed the urgent need for deeper international cooperation to combat this menace and to apply relentless pressure on the entire ecosystem of terror.
Jaishankar also positioned India as a leader in the Global South, highlighting the country’s commitment to development through over 600 projects across 78 nations. He emphasized India’s proactive stance in addressing the urgent needs of other countries, particularly in providing “finance, food, fertilizer, or fuel.” He cited recent examples of humanitarian assistance, including emergency aid following the 2024 earthquake in Afghanistan and support after a recent earthquake in Myanmar. Furthermore, he noted India’s contributions to global peacekeeping efforts, with troops deployed as blue helmets in numerous conflict hotspots, from the Golan Heights to Western Sahara and Somalia.
In celebrating India’s economic achievements over the past decade, Jaishankar pointed to the burgeoning start-up ecosystem, rapid infrastructure development, and a commitment to harnessing artificial intelligence responsibly. He articulated India’s approach as one of self-reliance, strong security, and the self-confidence of a rapidly growing major economy.
In closing, Jaishankar called for the ninth decade of the UN to embody leadership and hope. He eloquently stated, “International cooperation must prevail because islands of prosperity cannot flourish in an ocean of turbulence.” This assertion underscores the critical importance of unity and collaboration in addressing the multifaceted challenges facing the global community today.
