UN gridlock renders global body 'largely irrelevant,' says Jaishankar

S. Jaishankar, India's External Affairs Minister, has characterized the United Nations as "gridlocked" and "largely irrelevant" in its capacity to make consequential decisions on the global stage. The remarks were made during an interactive session at the 5th Kautilya Economic Conclave held in Delhi, where Jaishankar addressed questions on multilateral governance and international institutions.

The minister's assessment reflects mounting concerns about the effectiveness of the UN's decision-making machinery, particularly given geopolitical tensions that have hampered the organization's ability to reach consensus on critical matters. The UN's permanent members have frequently exercised veto powers on substantive resolutions, creating stalemates on pressing international issues.

Jaishankar's comments align with broader criticism from emerging economies about the need for reformed multilateral institutions that better reflect contemporary global power dynamics and diverse national interests. India has long advocated for expansion of the UN Security Council to include representation from the Global South and emerging economies.

The External Affairs Minister's remarks come amid ongoing debates about the relevance and efficacy of post-World War II international institutions in addressing modern challenges including climate change, pandemic response, and regional conflicts. His statements underscore New Delhi's position that existing global governance structures require substantive reform to remain effective.