'How Much More Cynical can the World Get?' Jaishankar Questions UN on Terrorism
Jaishankar criticizes UN’s inefficiency, stalled reforms, and weak terror response.
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Friday delivered a sharp critique of the United Nations, calling out its “gridlocked” decision-making, selective approach to terrorism, and persistent failure to implement structural reforms. Speaking at an event to launch a commemorative postal stamp celebrating the UN’s 80th anniversary, Jaishankar said the global body must “re-invent itself” to stay relevant in a changing multipolar world.
While acknowledging the UN’s contributions to global peace and cooperation, Jaishankar said, “All is not well with the United Nations. Its decision-making neither reflects its membership nor addresses global priorities. Its debates have become increasingly polarised, and its working visibly gridlocked.” He noted that meaningful reforms were being blocked by procedural hurdles, adding that financial strain had further crippled its functioning.
The minister also criticised the UN’s inconsistent handling of terrorism, indirectly referring to China’s use of veto powers at the UN Security Council to protect Pakistan-based terror groups. “When a Security Council member openly shields the organisation behind barbaric terror attacks like Pahalgam, what does it do to multilateralism’s credibility?” he asked. “If victims and perpetrators of terrorism are equated in the name of global strategy, how much more cynical can the world get?”
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Highlighting the widening inequality caused by ongoing global conflicts, Jaishankar said the Global South continues to bear disproportionate suffering while developed nations “insulate themselves from consequences.” He warned that slowing progress on the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) for 2030 is evidence of the growing distress among developing nations.
Concluding on a hopeful note, Jaishankar reaffirmed India’s faith in multilateralism and the UN’s founding principles of peace, security, and cooperation. “However flawed, the UN must be supported in this time of crisis,” he said, adding that international collaboration remains indispensable to sustaining global order. The event also saw the unveiling of a special commemorative postal stamp designed through a nationwide student competition, symbolising the pursuit of peace in an era of conflict.
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