India leads on global governance and energy security at G7 foreign ministers’ meet

External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar on Thursday raised the urgency of reforming the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) while participating in the G7 Foreign Ministers’ Meeting in France. On the sidelines of the gathering, he also held talks with Canadian Foreign Minister Anita Anand , with discussions focusing on the escalating West Asia crisis and areas of bilateral cooperation.

At a session on global governance reform , Jaishankar emphasised that the UNSC must reflect contemporary realities and give greater representation to the Global South . India has long argued that the current structure of the council does not adequately represent emerging powers and developing nations.

Sharing details of his intervention, Jaishankar said he highlighted the need for streamlining UN peacekeeping operations and strengthening humanitarian supply chains in conflict-affected regions. He also raised concerns from developing countries regarding energy challenges, fertiliser supplies and food security , issues that have intensified due to ongoing geopolitical tensions.

India has been among the strongest advocates of UNSC reforms , maintaining that the present system, where China, France, Russia, the UK and the US hold permanent membership with veto power, no longer reflects present-day global realities.

On the sidelines of the meeting, Jaishankar met Anita Anand , where the two ministers reviewed progress in the India-Canada partnership following discussions between their Prime Ministers earlier this year.

According to Anand, the talks covered trade ties, the situation in West Asia , and opportunities to deepen cooperation in sectors such as critical minerals, agriculture and education .

The ongoing crisis in West Asia was a key focus at the G7 meeting, with ministers discussing ways to ensure stability in the Strait of Hormuz , a crucial maritime route between the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman .

The narrow waterway handles nearly 20 per cent of global oil and LNG shipments , making it one of the world’s most strategically important energy corridors. Rising tensions in the region have pushed up global energy prices, especially after Iran reportedly disrupted shipping through the strait. Crude oil prices have surged above $100 per barrel recently , with Brent crude briefly reaching around $119.50 a barrel amid fears of prolonged supply disruptions the highest levels seen since 2022.

For India , which relies heavily on energy imports from West Asia, ensuring uninterrupted maritime trade remains a major strategic priority.