Page 16 - The Indian EYE 101025
P. 16
NORTH AMERICAN Newsline OCTOBER 10, 2025 | The Indian Eye 16
Jaishankar Makes India’s Case
for Reform and Stability at UNGA80
From pushing for Security Council reform with G4 partners to urging global stability
at the G20 Foreign Ministers’ Meeting, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar presented India’s
vision for a more representative and resilient multilateral order at the United Nations.
OUR BUREAU domestic concerns. Rising instabili-
ty in India’s neighborhood, whether
United Nations (NY)
from cross-border terrorism or sup-
t the 80th United Nations ply chain vulnerabilities, has direct
General Assembly (UNGA80), implications for its development. By
AExternal Affairs Minister S. internationalizing these issues, India
Jaishankar used a combination of seeks both solidarity and legitimacy
bilateral diplomacy, multilateral en- for its responses.
gagement, and strategic messaging Critics may argue that despite
to showcase India’s global position. such efforts, Security Council reform
His participation underscored India’s remains a distant goal. The P5 have
growing weight in shaping interna- little incentive to dilute their privi-
tional conversations, particularly on leges, and divisions within the UN
reforming outdated institutions and membership further complicate con-
managing geopolitical turbulence. sensus. Yet, by persistently raising
The highlight of Jaishankar’s the issue in forums like the G4, India
visit was his participation in the G4 ensures the demand for reform does
Foreign Ministers’ Meeting, along- not fade into irrelevance. Even in-
side Japan’s Takeshi Iwaya, Germa- cremental progress—such as broader
ny’s Johann Wadephul, and Brazil’s recognition of the need for reform—
Mauro Vieira. The four countries, adds weight to India’s case.
long aspirants for permanent mem- External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar shakes hands with the UN Secretary-General Antonio What stood out in Jaishankar’s
bership of the UN Security Council, Guterres during the 80th Session of the UN General Assembly (UNGA 80), in New York on engagements was India’s ability to
reiterated their “strong commitment” operate simultaneously at multiple
to meaningful reform of the United Sunday. (@DrSJaishankar X/ANI Photo) levels: coalition-building with G4
Nations. The ministers took stock partners, agenda-setting at the G20,
of the slow-moving Inter-Govern- Latin America, the UN risks fur- Global North and South, positioning bilateral relationship management,
mental Negotiation (IGN) process, ther erosion of credibility. India’s itself as a bridge-builder. and narrative framing at the global
which has for years been caught in case is particularly strong—it is the His conversation with Yvette stage. For a country whose foreign
stalemate due to resistance from the world’s most populous country, the Cooper was particularly timely, fol- policy was once seen as cautious and
existing P5 powers. fifth-largest economy, a nuclear pow- lowing Prime Minister Narendra reactive, this marks a striking shift.
For India, the symbolism of er, and one of the largest contribu- Modi’s recent UK visit and the an- As the UNGA80 proceedings
the G4 meeting was significant. By tors to UN peacekeeping operations. nouncement of “Vision 2035,” a continue, India’s message is becom-
aligning with Japan, Germany, and Beyond institutional reform, framework meant to deepen In- ing clearer: the world is changing,
Brazil—three other large economies Jaishankar’s diplomacy extended dia-UK cooperation in trade, tech- and global governance must change
and democracies—Jaishankar rein- to pressing global challenges. At nology, and security. With Egypt, with it. Jaishankar’s diplomatic out-
forced the argument that the UN’s the G20 Foreign Ministers’ Meet- Jaishankar held what he described as reach in New York reflected not just
most powerful body does not reflect ing hosted by South Africa on the a “warm conversation,” reinforcing India’s aspirations for recognition,
today’s geopolitical realities. “G4 re- sidelines of UNGA, he spoke of the the growing India-Middle East part- but also its willingness to shoulder
iterated its commitment to reform- need for stability in an increasingly nership that has gained momentum responsibility. In a world fractured
ing the United Nations including the fragmented world. “In a politically through the I2U2 and IMEC initia- by wars, climate crises, and econom-
UN Security Council. It also assessed & economically volatile international tives. With Australia, the “catch-up” ic instability, New Delhi is signaling
the current state of the Inter-Gov- situation, G20 members have a par- highlighted the Quad’s continuing that it can be a voice for reform, bal-
ernmental Negotiation IGN process,” ticular responsibility to strengthen its importance in the Indo-Pacific stra- ance, and stability.
Jaishankar posted on X, marking In- stability and give it a more positive tegic landscape. For India, the journey to perma-
dia’s continued push for a seat at the direction,” he said. His three-fold Behind these interactions lay nent membership of the UN Securi-
high table. prescription—dialogue and diplo- a consistent theme: India’s push to ty Council may still be long. But by
Jaishankar’s message was clear: macy, a firm stand against terrorism, move from being a rule-taker to a making its case forcefully, aligning
the legitimacy and effectiveness of and enhanced energy and economic rule-shaper in international politics. with like-minded powers, and pre-
global institutions are at stake. With- security—reflects India’s pragmatic Jaishankar’s remarks at the G20— senting itself as a pragmatic prob-
out expanding the Security Council approach. It also echoes New Delhi’s emphasizing terrorism and energy lem-solver, New Delhi is ensuring it
to better represent Asia, Africa, and attempt to strike a balance between security—also reflect New Delhi’s cannot be ignored.
www.TheIndianEYE.com