Jaishankar slammed UN for not acting against nations shielding terrorists

By Anjali Sharma

UNITED NATIONS – External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Friday launched a blistering attack on the UN for its ”inability to act decisively against terrorism”, warned that the global body’s credibility is eroding as powerful member states continue to shield terror groups and block meaningful action.

In reference to Pakistan, he chided the world body for its repeated failure to hold state sponsors of terrorism accountable, exposing deep flaws in its structure that are exploited by powerful nations to shield extremists.

He spoke at an event marked the 80th anniversary of the UN, Jaishankar said the UN’s failure to act decisively against terrorism reflected the larger challenges confronting multilateralism today.

He said “Few examples are more telling than the UN’s response to terrorism. When a sitting Security Council member openly protects the organization that claims responsibility for barbaric terror attacks, such as at Pahalgam, what does it do to the credibility of multilateralism?” he asked.

EAM accused certain member countries of deliberately obstructing sanctions against state sponsors of terrorism, thereby undermining both the UN Charter and the global fight against extremism.

He called it “deeply cynical” that victims and perpetrators of terrorism are often equated in the name of global strategy, adding that such attitudes undermine the very spirit of international cooperation.

“When self-proclaimed terrorists are shielded from sanctions, it raises serious questions about the sincerity of those involved,” he said.

He added, “I take it as a statement of our collective attachment to the United Nations at a time when the world is perhaps passing through some of its most difficult circumstances.”

Jaishankar also reaffirmed India’s commitment to global peace, security, development, and multilateralism, even as he called for urgent reforms within the United Nations to make it more representative and effective.

“In an era of conflict, there is a need for peace, and this is what the postage stamp represents. The world is going through difficult times. All is not well with the UN,” Jaishankar said.

He was speaking at the event to launch a postage stamp marking the UN’s 80th anniversary, the Union Minister said debates within the global body have become increasingly polarized and disconnected from ground realities.

“India remains committed to the ideals of peace and security, as well as development and progress. India has always been, and will continue to be, a strong votary of the United Nations, and indeed, of multilateralism,” he said.

He pointed out that “all is not well” with the UN system.

“Its decision-making neither reflects its membership nor addresses global priorities. Debates have become increasingly polarized, and its functioning visibly gridlocked. Any meaningful reform is obstructed using the reform process itself,” he said.

He added that growing financial constraints have further worsened the situation.

“How to sustain the UN even while seeking its re-invention is clearly a major challenge before all of us.”

He said the pursuit of international peace and security has increasingly become “lip service,” while the challenges of development and socio-economic progress are more serious than ever.

The slowdown to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals 2030 Agenda, he asserted.

Jaishankar noted, is a clear measure of the distress of the Global South, compounded by trade barriers, supply chain dependencies, and political domination.

He said member states must not abandon hope as the UN marked the 80th anniversary as a “significant milestone”.

EAM said “However difficult, the commitment to multilateralism must remain strong. However flawed, the United Nations must be supported in this time of crisis. Our faith in international cooperation must be reiterated and renewed”.

He highlighted India’s role in global peacekeeping, Jaishankar said, “Our commitment to global peace and security is reflected, among others, in our staunch support for peacekeeping. The energies, resources, and sacrifices of our personnel have ensured that the world is a better place.”

He noted that India recently hosted a Chiefs of Army Staff Conclave in New Delhi, attended by representatives from 30 troop-contributing countries.