Image credits - ANI
During the Raisina Dialogue, India’s External Affairs Minister, S Jaishankar, reiterated the necessity for reform within the United Nations (UN), emphasizing the imperative for multilateral institutions to evolve in tandem with the changing global landscape. Jaishankar underscored India’s commitment to multilateralism while acknowledging the concurrent relevance of national interests.
Reflecting on historical precedent, Jaishankar cited India’s initial foray into multilateralism by bringing the Kashmir dispute to the UN shortly after gaining independence. He highlighted the divergence between the intended multilateral approach and the subsequent geopolitical maneuvers by other nations, which reframed the issue for their strategic advantage.
Addressing the need for UN reform, Jaishankar emphasized the institution’s inability to effectively address contemporary global challenges amidst its significantly expanded membership since its inception. With the UN’s membership quadrupling over time, Jaishankar stressed the imperative of adapting to this new reality to ensure the institution’s continued efficacy.
Jaishankar also drew attention to broader issues of global rebalancing, asserting that existing international norms and rules have been exploited by certain nations to further their interests at the expense of the broader international community. He emphasized the role of the five permanent members of the UN Security Council in any reform process, acknowledging the challenges posed by vested interests in altering the status quo.
Regarding India’s geopolitical relations, Jaishankar acknowledged the inherent competition within international relations and the complexity of finding common ground among diverse nations. He highlighted the ongoing competition and the need for nuanced diplomatic approaches to navigate these dynamics effectively.
The session, which also featured contributions from Anwar bin Mohammed Gargash, advisor to the president of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), and Dutch Foreign Minister Hanke Bruins Slot, underscored the multifaceted nature of contemporary global geopolitics. Participants engaged in discussions on the evolving dynamics between the West and the Global South, emphasizing the need for inclusive dialogue and cooperation to address shared challenges effectively.
Jaishankar’s remarks at the Raisina Dialogue echo India’s longstanding advocacy for reform within multilateral institutions, aligning with the country’s broader foreign policy objectives of promoting a more inclusive and equitable international order.
