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UN Gridlocked, Irrelevant on Global Security: Jaishankar

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar has criticized the United Nations for being ineffective, stating the global body remains locked in gridlock on major security issues. His remarks underscore India's growing frustration with the multilateral institution's inability to respond to contemporary challenges.

LSN India · 5 October 2026

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar has delivered a sharp critique of the United Nations, asserting that the global body has become gridlocked and ineffectual in addressing pressing international security matters. "It's obvious to everybody by now that the UN is gridlocked," Jaishankar said, highlighting persistent structural problems within the organization.

The minister's comments reflect broader concerns within India's foreign policy establishment about the United Nations' capacity to fulfill its mandate. The Security Council, in particular, has faced repeated criticism for its inability to take decisive action on major geopolitical crises due to vetoes by permanent members.

Jaishankar's assessment aligns with India's longstanding position advocating for comprehensive reform of the UN's institutional architecture. New Delhi has consistently argued that the Security Council structure, designed during the post-World War II era, no longer reflects contemporary global power dynamics and requires expansion to include representation from emerging economies.

The remarks come as India continues pushing for greater say in global affairs through multilateral platforms. India's criticism of UN effectiveness underscores its argument that alternative forums and coalitions have become increasingly necessary for addressing 21st-century geopolitical challenges where traditional multilateral mechanisms have proven inadequate.