S. Jaishankar slams UN inaction on terrorism, criticizes Pakistan for shielding TRF. [Photo: PTI]
India’s External Affairs Minister, S. Jaishankar, on Friday, sharply criticized the United Nations for failing to act effectively on terrorism and highlighted Pakistan’s protection of the terror outfit TRF at the UN Security Council.
Speaking at the launch of a commemorative postage stamp in New Delhi marking the 80th anniversary of the UN, Jaishankar called for urgent reforms in the multilateral body.
S Jaishankar said, “All is not well with the United Nations. Its decision-making neither reflects its membership nor addresses global priorities. Its debates have become increasingly polarized, and its working visibly gridlocked.
Any meaningful reform is obstructed using the reform process itself.” He stressed that the UN, in its current state, struggles to address pressing global challenges, including peace, security, and development.
Without naming Pakistan directly, Jaishankar noted, “When a sitting Security Council member openly protects the very organization that claims responsibility for the barbaric terror attack, such as at Pahalgam, what does it do to the credibility of multilateralism?”
He referred to Pakistan’s attempts to remove mentions of TRF from UNSC press statements condemning the Pahalgam attack, which TRF, a proxy of Lashkar-e-Taiba, had claimed responsibility for.
Jaishankar also criticized the practice of equating victims and perpetrators of terrorism under the guise of global strategy. “Similarly, if victims and perpetrators of terrorism are equated in the name of global strategy, how much more cynical can the world get.
When self-proclaimed terrorists are shielded from the sanctioning process, what does it say for the sincerity of those involved?” he asked.
The External Affairs Minister urged meaningful UN reforms to restore credibility and effectiveness. He highlighted that while international peace and security are increasingly treated as “lip service,” socio-economic development faces even graver neglect.
Nevertheless, he expressed hope, saying, “However difficult, the commitment to multilateralism must remain strong. However flawed, the United Nations must be supported in this time of crisis.”
Jaishankar’s remarks underline a crucial point: global institutions cannot function effectively if structural issues remain unaddressed. The UN’s credibility hinges on impartiality and the enforcement of sanctions.
By pointing out Pakistan’s protection of TRF, Jaishankar highlighted how selective accountability undermines multilateralism. India’s push for reforms is a call to preserve the UN as a forum capable of delivering justice, security, and fairness.
