India Calls United Nations ‘An Old Company’
India’s External Affairs Minister, S. Jaishankar, sharply criticized the United Nations (UN) on Sunday, calling it an “old company”
prativad 
New Delhi: India’s External Affairs Minister, S. Jaishankar, sharply criticized the United Nations (UN) on Sunday, calling it an “old company” that has failed to address the world’s biggest challenges, including pandemics and military conflicts. Speaking at the Kautilya Economic Conclave in New Delhi, Jaishankar expressed concern that the UN has become ineffective, merely "taking up space" while being unable to keep up with the changing global landscape.
The minister reiterated India's call for urgent reforms in multilateral institutions to make them more effective and representative of emerging economies and developing nations. He questioned the UN's inaction on key global crises, saying, "Where is the UN on these issues? It seems to have become merely a spectator." Jaishankar also pointed to the UN's "inaction" during the COVID-19 pandemic.
India has been vocal about the lack of progress in reforms within international organizations, despite the increasing role of developing countries in global affairs. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, during his address at the ‘Summit of the Future’ in New York, emphasized that reforming global governance is the "key" to achieving global peace and development.
India, along with Brazil and South Africa, expressed frustration at the United Nations General Assembly’s 79th session over the "paralysis" in negotiations to expand the UN Security Council, with all three countries seeking permanent membership in the body.
Jaishankar also highlighted the need for quota reforms at the World Bank and International Monetary Fund (IMF) to reflect the growing share of developing countries in the global economy. However, he noted that such reforms have been sidelined in global discussions due to "limited political bandwidth," as conflicts like those in Ukraine and the Middle East have dominated international attention.
The minister added that the UN's failure to address critical issues is pushing countries to explore alternative solutions. He cited initiatives like the COVAX mechanism for equitable vaccine distribution and the International Solar Alliance, co-launched by India and France, as examples of how nations are bypassing the UN to tackle global challenges.
Jaishankar also underlined the rising global interest in the BRICS group, which he sees as a sign that countries are seeking more options in their international relationships. “The fact that more countries are showing interest in joining BRICS tells us something. It tells us that many nations want more choices and a wider spread in their engagements,” he said. He added that not just the UN, but the entire global order is becoming outdated, signaling the end of the era of "exclusive relationships."
Jaishankar’s remarks underscore India’s long-standing demand for reforms in global institutions, as the country seeks a greater role in shaping the future of international governance.
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