Jaishankar Critiques UN's Handling of Terrorism, Calls for Comprehensive Reform

External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar delivered a forthright critique of the United Nations (UN) on Friday during an event in Delhi commemorating the UN's 80th anniversary. He pointed out significant structural inadequacies, declining credibility, and the pressing need for reform. “All is not well with the UN,” he stated, emphasizing that its decision-making processes fail to represent the diverse membership or respond to urgent global challenges. Jaishankar mentioned that the UN is facing increasing gridlock, polarizing debates that hinder necessary reforms, and financial limitations that hamper its effectiveness on key issues.

Jaishankar underscored that all member nations have a dual responsibility: to uphold the UN's mission while seeking its reinvention. He stressed that the UN's current framework reflects the realities of 1945 rather than those of 2025, making it less equipped to deal with contemporary dilemmas. Without sweeping reform, the United Nations may lose its credibility and effectiveness in addressing urgent global challenges related to security, development, and international collaboration.

The minister lambasted the UN’s response to terrorism, voicing concerns over the organization’s credibility. He raised questions regarding Pakistan’s position as a UN Security Council member, citing instances where such members allegedly protect groups linked to terrorist acts. Jaishankar noted, “Few examples illustrate the challenges confronting the UN as vividly as its inadequate response to terrorism,” suggesting that equivalencing victims and aggressors for the sake of a global strategy undermines the UN’s overall credibility. He pointed out that protecting individuals designated as terrorists from sanctions casts doubt on the sincerity of the multilateral framework.

He cautioned that the commitment to maintaining international peace and security is increasingly becoming mere rhetoric for the UN. Furthermore, the slowdown of the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) Agenda 2030 reflects growing unrest in the Global South. Jaishankar highlighted how trade barriers, reliance on supply chains, and political dominance expose critical imbalances that the UN needs to address forthwith. He labeled reform as not just desirable but essential for the UN to remain a credible and effective organization in the 21st century.

Despite these pressing concerns, Jaishankar emphasized the importance of supporting the UN in these challenging times, reaffirming India’s dedication to multilateralism. He stated that although the organization faces significant structural and operational hurdles, its support remains vital in tackling global conflicts, development challenges, and socio-economic disparities. The minister concluded that a robust and reformed UN is essential for ensuring that multilateralism remains beneficial and credible for the global community.

In voicing his concerns, Jaishankar combined a realistic outlook with a call for collective action, urging all member states to acknowledge the UN’s faults while working together to revitalize its mission. His evaluation reflects India’s proactive approach to international diplomacy and reform, highlighting that a stronger, credible, and reformed UN serves the interests of global peace, security, and sustainable development.