In a forceful address at the United Nations General Assembly, India’s External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar asserted that the UN is facing a legitimacy crisis and called for sweeping reform in response to escalating global terrorism. He also said that India is prepared to take on expanded responsibilities on the world stage.
Jaishankar contended that the UN’s influence has diminished as it struggles amid conflicts, development setbacks, and violations of human rights linked to terrorism. He criticized how the body is often unable to build consensus, which erodes faith in multilateral frameworks.
He argued for deliberate progress on the reform agenda, including a more representative expansion of both permanent and non-permanent seats on the Security Council. Jaishankar also emphasized the need to remedy historic wrongs, particularly those endured by African nations.
Introducing India’s guiding strategic principles, he referred to “Atmanirbharta” (self-reliance), “Atmaraksha” (defense and security), and “Atmavishwas” (confidence). For Jaishankar, national security encompasses a zero tolerance toward terrorism, strong border protection, and globally extending India’s engagements in aid and diplomacy.
While pointing to global flashpoints like Ukraine and the Middle East, Jaishankar called into question the pace of climate action, trade volatility, energy insecurity, and inefficiencies in Covid-era vaccine access. He accused certain states of exploiting international rules and failing to uphold equitable standards in trade and diplomacy.
Jaishankar didn’t single out a country by name but indicated that terrorism remains entrenched in parts of the world where state policy implicitly or explicitly tolerates it. He recalled the recent Pahalgam tourist killings as a case in point and decried the glorification of terror, urging financial sanctions, universal condemnation, and sustained pressure on terror networks.
To bolster India’s position, Jaishankar cited the country’s foreign assistance initiatives, ranging from infrastructure projects to humanitarian relief. He spotlighted India’s contributions to UN peacekeeping missions across Africa and West Asia, and its role as a first responder with aid and medical facilities in neighboring countries.
Jaishankar also appealed for constructive mediation in conflict zones like Ukraine and called on nations with influence to help de-escalate violence. He said India is committed to backing solutions that restore peace and justice.
