‘They Use The UN, But Don’t Care For It’: Jaishankar Turns Up Heat On UN Reform

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar sharpened India's push for reform of the United Nations on Thursday, saying frustration is mounting over the lack of progress and asserting that countries opposing reform are “using” the UN without caring for it.

Speaking at a ministerial session on the sidelines of the 81st UN General Assembly, Jaishankar said meaningful reform requires text-based negotiations, arguing that without a text there is no real negotiation and countries are merely “gaining time”.

He said the UN is increasingly viewed as being “behind the curve” and out of step with today's geopolitical realities. Reform, he added, cannot depend on unanimity, with countries needing to put their proposals on the table and ultimately resolve differences through a democratic process involving voting.

India's long-standing campaign for a more representative UN Security Council also received backing from Brazil and South Africa at an IBSA Foreign Ministers' meeting in New York. The three countries called for comprehensive UNSC reform and discussed global security, economic governance, digital infrastructure, artificial intelligence, climate action and sustainable development.

The IBSA ministers also condemned the April 22, 2025 Pahalgam terror attack and stressed the need for zero tolerance towards terrorism. They highlighted how conflicts are affecting developing countries through energy and food insecurity, inflation and fiscal pressures.

Jaishankar separately highlighted greater cooperation among Global South countries, saying stronger ties among developing nations could help break old dependencies. India's UN push has also featured in speeches by other leaders, with several countries referring to India and its role in global governance. Four European countries from the Visegrád Group also backed India's bid for permanent UNSC membership earlier this week.

Thursday's UN proceedings also saw a series of striking diplomatic moments. Mahmoud Abbas was unable to address the assembly in person after the United States denied him a visa, while Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu addressed the General Assembly.

Colombian President Abelardo de la Espriella skipped his first chance to address the UN, honouring a campaign promise to avoid foreign trips and focus on domestic problems. His vice president delivered his remarks instead.

Bolivian President Rodrigo Paz Pereira, facing political turmoil and fuel shortages at home, struck a defiant tone and ended his address with: “Long live the fatherland, damn it! Long live Bolivia.” Ghanaian President John Dramani Mahama appeared to reference US President Donald Trump's earlier “annihilate” remark about Iran, saying no civilisation or UN member deserves to be annihilated.

Paraguayan President Santiago Peña reaffirmed his country's support for Taiwan, warning that conflict around the island could affect the global economy because of Taiwan's importance to microchip production.

Meanwhile, the UN held a high-level meeting on pandemic prevention, preparedness and response on Friday, one of the major events scheduled during the current high-level week.