During a gathering of military leaders from countries that send troops to United Nations missions, India’s foreign minister, S. Jaishankar, said the UN still looks like it did in 1945 instead of meeting today’s realities. He urged the world to push for urgent reforms.
Jaishankar spoke at the United Nations Troop Contributing Countries Chiefs’ Conclave in New Delhi on Thursday. He highlighted that India’s approach to peacekeeping is rooted in its belief that “the world is one family” – a concept called Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam. “Our philosophy is guided by justice, dignity, opportunity, and prosperity for all,” he said. “We firmly support multilateralism and strong international partnerships.”
The minister noted that the UN faces numerous modern crises – pandemics, terrorism, economic instability, and climate change – that demand cooperation, not competition. “The United Nations should be the starting point for joint action,” Jaishankar added.
In a recent visit to New York for the UN General Assembly, Jaishankar remarked that the UN still reflects the realities of 1945, not those of 2025. Over the last eight decades, UN membership has quadrupled, he noted, but without adaptation the institution risks becoming irrelevant. “Institutions that fail to evolve lose credibility and cannot help us in uncertain times,” he warned.
Jaishankar called for a more inclusive, democratic, and representative UN. He emphasized that the organization must give a stronger voice to the developing world and the Global South. While many members support expanding the Security Council’s permanent and non‑permanent seats, the minister said the reform process itself is being used to derail progress, allowing historical injustices to persist.
He reaffirmed India’s commitment to taking on larger responsibilities in a reformed UN and multilateral order. He praised the sacrifices of more than 4,000 UN and 182 Indian peacekeepers who have died in service. “These brave men and women protect civilians, deliver aid, and help fragile peace processes. They exemplify the power of collective action,” he said.
The foreign minister explained that peacekeeping missions, though not part of the original UN mandate, have become its flagship service. He urged that mission mandates be realistic, clear, and matched to available resources, and that the host state bear primary responsibility for civilian protection.
Innovation and technology were highlighted as key tools for enhancing peacekeeping effectiveness. India was positioned as ready to serve as a technology demonstrator. Combating misinformation and ensuring the safety of peacekeepers were also emphasized, with the minister stressing that attackers on peacekeepers must be brought to justice.
Overall, Jaishankar’s address underscored India’s vision of a modern, just, and inclusive UN, where global cooperation meets today’s shared challenges.
Source: ianslive
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