New Delhi. Foreign Minister S. Jaishankar on Sunday took a critical stance towards the United Nations, saying that it is like an “old company”, which is not able to keep pace with the market completely, but is occupying space. While speaking at the Kautilya Economic Conference organized here, the External Affairs Minister said that there are two very serious conflicts going on in the world, “Where is the United Nations in such a situation, it essentially remains a mute spectator.” Jaishankar, in response to a question on the possible outcome of the US presidential election, said that America has indeed ‘changed’ its geopolitical and economic outlook and this trend will continue in the coming days, irrespective of the results in November. Will be ‘fast’.
Jaishankar participated in an interactive session on the topic ‘India and the World’ and discussed India’s role and challenges amid the changing global circumstances. The Foreign Minister said, “Therefore, while we are developing, we are also a necessary obstacle in terms of adverse circumstances.” During this period, he also mentioned some steps taken by India to help other countries including its neighbors like Sri Lanka.
Jaishankar once again ruled out the possibility of any bilateral talks with his Pakistani counterpart when asked about his upcoming visit to Pakistan to attend the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) summit. He said, “I am going there for a certain work, a certain responsibility. I take my responsibilities seriously. So, I am going there to represent India in the SCO meeting and that is what I am going to do.” The External Affairs Minister said at an event on Saturday that he was going to Islamabad for a “multilateral programme” and not to discuss India-Pakistan relations.
Jaishankar took a critical view of the world body in response to a question on the role of the United Nations in the changing global scenario. This world body, established in 1945 after the Second World War, initially had 50 countries, which has increased almost four times over the years.
He said, “The United Nations is, in a way, like an old company, which is not able to completely keep pace with the market, but is (definitely) occupying space.” “When it’s behind the times, in this world you have start-ups and innovations, so different people start doing things their own way.” Jaishankar said, “Today you have a United Nations, but its functioning is inadequate, yet it is still the only universally recognized multilateral platform.” “But, when it does not take action on key issues, countries find their own ways,” he said. For example, consider the last five-10 years, probably the biggest thing in our lives was Covid. Now, what did the United Nations do on Covid? I think the answer is – not very much.”
Jaishankar said, “Today there are two conflicts going on in the world, two very serious conflicts, where is the United Nations on them, it is only a mute spectator.” He said, “So, what is happening, as happened during Covid also, countries did things in their own way, like initiatives like Covax, which was done by a group of countries.” Jaishankar said, “When it comes to big issues, you have a growing group of countries coming together to agree to do something.” In this context, the External Affairs Minister cited examples of initiatives like India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC), Quad in the Indo-Pacific region to look after global common interests, International Solar Alliance (ISA) and Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI). Gave. He said that all these bodies are outside the structure of the United Nations.
Jaishankar said, “Today, the United Nations remains, but the non-UN sector is expanding rapidly and I think this is impacting the United Nations.” India has been demanding reforms in the United Nations and the United Nations Security Council in accordance with the changing times. Earlier this year, Jaishankar had said that the “short-sighted” approach of the five permanent members of the UN Security Council was hindering progress towards long-pending reform of the global body. The five permanent members of the Security Council, Russia, Britain, China, France and America, have the right to veto any important resolution.
When Jaishankar was asked about the possible outcome of the US presidential elections and India’s relations with the new administration, he said, “You talked about one of two possibilities in the US elections. I want to tell you that look at the last five years, there were many policies in 2020 which people thought were the policies of the Trump administration, but Biden not only took those policies forward, but also gave double emphasis on them.” The Foreign Minister said that therefore, it is not a matter of any one leader, it is not just a practice, it is just an administration. He said, “I think very deep changes are taking place.” He said, “This is an America that has actually changed its geopolitical and economic outlook and has come to the conclusion that the system it created many years ago is no longer beneficial to it to that extent. “
The Foreign Minister said, “Therefore, I would say that whatever the results in November, many of these trends will gain further momentum in the coming days. I would say that the world has become more fragmented, but at the same time I would say that in some ways credibility and transparency will be two very important factors that will become a yardstick for countries to venture into and transact with each other.” In response to a question about ‘Global South’ used for the developing countries of Asia, Africa and Latin America, Jaishankar said that it has a “great significance”. He said, “This is an effort. We don’t expect to be leaders. We are seen as a credible member, a vocal member… So, I’m not really comfortable with the idea that you move away from the ‘Global South’. On the contrary, I see its importance.”
Confident that Modi-Muizz talks will give new momentum to India-Maldives relations: Jaishankar
Foreign Minister S. Jaishankar met Maldives President Mohammed Muizzu, who is in India on a bilateral visit, and expressed confidence that Muizzu’s talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi “will give new impetus to our friendly relations.” Although Maldivian President Muizzu had attended the swearing-in ceremony of Prime Minister Modi in June, this is his first bilateral visit to India.
Announcing Muizzu’s visit to India earlier this week, the Ministry of External Affairs had said that it is expected to give further impetus to cooperation and strong people-to-people ties between the two countries. In a post on social media platform ‘X’ on Sunday, Jaishankar said, “Delighted to meet President Muizzu today at the beginning of his state visit to India. I appreciate his commitment to enhance India-Maldives relations. I am confident that his talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi tomorrow will give new impetus to our friendly relations.” Foreign Minister Jaishankar also shared some pictures of his meeting with the post.
There was serious tension in relations between India and Maldives after Muizzu, who was inclined towards China, took charge as President in November last year. According to the Ministry of External Affairs, during this visit, Muizzu will talk to Modi on bilateral, regional and international issues of mutual interest. He can also meet President Draupadi Murmu. Apart from Delhi, Muizzu will also visit Mumbai and Bengaluru where he will participate in industrial programs.