The UN is seen as a traditional business, with a presence in the market, according to EAM Jaishankar.

During a speech at the Kautilya Economic Conclave, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar expressed his views on the United Nations, comparing it to an outdated company that is no longer keeping up with the changing market. He pointed out that the UN has not been able to keep pace with the world, leading countries to seek alternative ways to address pressing global issues.

Jaishankar explained that while countries would prefer the UN to take the lead on global initiatives, it often fails to do so, leaving them to find their own solutions. He stated, "There is a UN at the end of the day, but when it doesn't step up on key issues, countries figure out their own ways of doing it." This has become a common trend, as seen during the Covid-19 pandemic when countries either took matters into their own hands or formed alliances, such as the Covax initiative, to address the crisis.

The EAM also highlighted the UN's lack of action on major global conflicts, including the Russia-Ukraine war and the ongoing crisis in the Middle East. He questioned the role of the UN in these situations, stating that it has become merely a bystander. As a result, countries have started forming alliances and taking action independent of the UN.

Jaishankar's remarks shed light on the growing trend of countries coming together and finding their own ways to address global issues, rather than relying on the UN. He mentioned recent examples such as the connectivity initiative involving India, Middle Eastern countries, European countries, and the US, as well as alliances like the QUAD and the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure, which operate outside of the UN.

He concluded by acknowledging that the UN will continue to exist, but its relevance is diminishing as more and more countries turn to alternative methods for addressing global challenges. India, in particular, has been pushing for reforms in the UN, including expansion of the United Nations Security Council and changes in its working methods. The government, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has made it a top priority to obtain a permanent seat for India in an expanded UNSC. India is also working with other reform-oriented countries through its membership in groups such as G-4 and the L.69 Group to garner support for these reforms.

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