External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar criticised the United Nations, calling it flawed and dominated by powerful influences. Speaking at the UN’s 80th anniversary, he asked how a sitting Security Council member could openly support a terrorist group, without naming Pakistan.
He added that the UN’s debates have become more polarised and its work often gridlocked. “Powerful countries block reforms using the reform process itself,” he said. For example, the UN’s response to terrorism remains weak. Jaishankar mentioned the Pahalgam terror attack, claimed by The Resistance Front linked to Lashkar-e-Taiba. At that time, Pakistan, which chaired the Security Council, reportedly tried to remove mentions of TRF from the UNSC’s statement.
He warned that treating victims and perpetrators equally damages the UN’s credibility. Moreover, he highlighted challenges like slowed SDG Agenda 2030 progress, trade imbalances, and political domination affecting the Global South.
Despite these problems, Jaishankar urged countries to continue supporting the UN. “Even if flawed, the UN must guide us through crises. We must renew our faith in international cooperation to build a better world,” he said.
The UN Security Council has 15 members, including five permanent members. The presidency rotates every month among all members.
