Jaishankar Slams UN as 'Largely Irrelevant' Amid Security Council Gridlock
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar criticizes the UN Security Council for being gridlocked and failing to represent the modern global community.
In a scathing critique of the current global governance structure, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar has described the United Nations as "largely irrelevant" when it comes to making decisive actions on major international crises. Speaking at the 5th Kautilya Economic Conclave in the national capital on Monday, the Minister highlighted a deep-seated "gridlock" within the UN Security Council that has paralyzed the world body's ability to function effectively.
A Body Stuck in the Past
Jaishankar pointed out that the United Nations has struggled to provide meaningful solutions to some of the most pressing challenges of our time. He cited several major global flashpoints and crises where the UN's influence appeared minimal, including:
- The ongoing conflict in Ukraine
- Tensions and conflicts in the Gulf region
- Various humanitarian and security crises across Africa
- The global response to the COVID-19 pandemic
The Minister argued that the fundamental issue lies in the Security Council's inability to reach decisions, rendering the organization ineffective in the face of modern geopolitics. He noted that the UN has grown significantly since its inception, expanding from 51 members to nearly four times that number, yet the "old board of management" remains unchanged.
"If you have grown four times and you want to keep the old board of management, it's not going to work. It's common sense," Jaishankar remarked.
The Irony of African Representation
A significant portion of the Minister's address focused on the resistance to UN reform. He accused certain powerful players of blocking necessary changes while hypocritically claiming to act in the interest of Africa. According to Jaishankar, this is a misrepresentation of the continent's actual stance.
He noted that Africa has already participated in intergovernmental negotiations and has clearly articulated its own position on what reforms are required. He suggested that those resisting change are using Africa's name as a shield to maintain the status quo, despite the continent's clear and independent views on the matter.
Fixing the UN, Not Bypassing It
While his words were sharp, Jaishankar emphasized that India's goal is not to dismantle the United Nations, but to salvage its utility. He stressed that the international community should focus on repairing the institution rather than finding ways to work around it.
"Our job must be to fix the UN, not to work around the UN; the UN itself has to help with that process," he stated, adding that the world must decide whether it will continue to tolerate the organization's growing ineffectiveness.
India's Push for Global Reform
India remains at the forefront of the movement for comprehensive UN reform. New Delhi is actively pursuing several diplomatic avenues to expand the Security Council and make it more representative of the modern world, including:
- The G4 Grouping: Working alongside Japan, Brazil, and Germany to advocate for permanent seats.
- The L.69 Group: Collaborating with a cross-regional group of developing nations from Asia, Africa, and Latin America.
- Global South Engagement: Building consensus among developing nations to ensure their voices are heard in the reform process.
Achieving these structural changes will require significant amendments to the UN Charter, a process that remains one of the most complex challenges in international diplomacy.