As the United Nations marks eight decades since its founding, India has stepped forward at the 80th session of the UN General Assembly (UNGA) to demand sweeping reforms, insisting that the global body must evolve to remain relevant in an increasingly complex world. Delivered by External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar on 27 September 2025, India’s address was both a critique of current multilateralism and a roadmap for how the UN can better serve nations large and small, particularly those in the Global South.
Framing the Challenge: Why Reform Matters
India’s case centers on the belief that the UN, especially its Security Council, is no longer configured to deal with the realities of the 21st century. Jaishankar described the institution as “gridlocked,” hamstrung by outdated structures and resistance to change. Among the critical gaps he highlighted:
- The slow progress toward Sustainable Development Goals, especially in climate action, health, and economic equity.
- Conflicts like those in Gaza and Ukraine, which illustrate uneven responses and geopolitical polarization that undermine trust in multilateral norms.
- Challenges like trade protectionism, tariff volatility, and monopolistic control of supply chains and emerging technologies that accentuate inequalities among states.
India argues that unless these issues are addressed, the UN risks becoming irrelevant in the eyes of many member states. There is also an appeal to justice historical injustices, especially those done to African nations, must be redressed.
What Reforms India Is Advocating
India’s reform proposals are not vague; they are concrete and focused. They include:
- Expansion of the Security Council
India believes both the permanent and non-permanent membership of the UNSC must be expanded to better reflect global demographics, economic power, and geopolitical influence. It also insists that a reformed Council must be “truly representative.” - Greater Voice for the Global South
India is pushing for multilateral reform to give developing nations more say in global governance, including on issues like climate justice, vaccine access, trade fairness, and conflict narratives. The goal is to have decision-making structures that do not privilege a few powerful states. - Justice, Equity, and Credibility in Multilateral Commitments
India criticized “creative accounting” by developed countries in climate pledges, called out inequities in the global health response during pandemics, and urged that promises must match action. - Counter-terrorism and Global Security
A strong emphasis was placed on dismantling terror networks, cutting off terror financing, and ensuring states that sponsor or harbor terrorism are held accountable. India also critiqued vague narratives and double standards that let some perpetrators escape scrutiny. - Responsible Global Leadership & Self-Reliance
India is signaling its readiness to take on greater global responsibilities, partly through “Atmanirbharata” (self-reliance), “Atmaraksha” (self-defence), and “Atmavishwas” (self-confidence). This shows an approach where India sees its own national development and resilience as essential parts of global stability.
Strengths, Challenges, and the Path Forward
There are many reasons why India’s proposals are likely to receive both sympathy and resistance.
- Strengths:
India enjoys legitimacy: large population, robust role in UN peacekeeping, wide network of development partnerships, emerging technological and economic clout. Its appeals for justice and equity resonate with many developing nations. Moreover, there is growing international acknowledgement that some UN institutions have not kept pace with global shifts. - Challenges:
Reforming the UN — particularly expanding permanent UNSC members requires agreement among existing permanent members (the P5), many of whom are cautious about diluting their own influence. Decisions may also stall or get watered down during negotiations. Geographic balancing (which regions deserve new permanent seats, whether veto power will come with that, etc.) are contentious issues. - Key for India: Building coalitions among Global South countries, working with groups like G4, L-69 (developing countries), BRICS, African nations, etc., to generate momentum. Also, pressing for sharper negotiation processes (text-based, deadline-oriented) instead of endless discussions without results.
Conclusion: A Turning Point or Just Another UNGA Address?
India’s message at the 80th UNGA is more than another diplomatic speech; it’s a clarion call that the post-World War II multilateral order needs recalibration. With rising global challenges climate crisis, inequality, shifting power blocs, new technologies existing UN structures are showing strain. India is insisting that reform is not optional but essential. Whether this call results in substantial change depends on the political will of both powerful and less powerful nations, on their ability to compromise, and on whether the appetite for change can overcome inertia. As the world reflects on 80 years since the UN’s birth, India is asking: will we rest on legacy, or will we reshape institutions for a world that demands more equity, effectiveness, and justice?
Sources:
- https://www.business-standard.com/india-news/india-urges-un-reform-ahead-of-80th-anniversary-to-tackle-challenges-124122300236_1.html?utm_
- https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/india/un-2024-india-calls-for-change-at-un-as-conflicts-persist/articleshow/116588439.cms?from=mdr&utm_
- https://sundayguardianlive.com/world/india-stands-ready-to-assume-greater-responsibilities-jaishankar-calls-for-un-reforms20250928035349-152060/?utm_
More Current affairs: https://learnproacademy.in/updates/