External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar in UNGA

In a powerful address at the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly, India's External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar declared the UN is in a "state of crisis," calling for urgent reforms to the gridlocked multilateral system and delivering a blistering critique of state-sponsored, cross-border terrorism.

Speaking from the UN General Assembly on Saturday, September 27, 2025, Jaishankar questioned the effectiveness of the global body eight decades after its founding. "We must ask ourselves today: how has the UN lived up to expectations? And just look at the state of the world," he stated, pointing to ongoing major conflicts, the derailed 2030 SDG Agenda, and a lack of genuine progress on climate justice.

He argued that the credibility of the UN has eroded due to a "resistance to reform," where the process itself is used as an obstacle to the outcome. Calling for an expansion of both permanent and non-permanent membership of the Security Council, he asserted that the "historical injustice done to Africa should be redressed" and that a reformed Council must be truly representative. "India stands ready to assume greater responsibilities," Jaishankar affirmed.

In one of the speech's most forceful segments, the minister condemned nations that use terrorism as state policy. "India has confronted this challenge since independence, having a neighbour that is an epicentre of global terrorism," he said, noting that major international terrorist attacks are consistently traced back to that one country. Citing the "cross-border barbarism" in the murder of tourists in Pahalgam in April of this year, he asserted India’s right to defend its people and bring perpetrators to justice. He urged the international community to unequivocally condemn such actions, choke terror financing, and apply "relentless pressure" on the entire terrorism ecosystem.

Positioning India, or "Bharat," as a leading voice for the Global South, Jaishankar highlighted the nation's extensive development partnerships, having undertaken over 600 major projects in 78 countries. He also underscored India's role as a 'First Responder' during crises, providing humanitarian assistance and disaster relief across the globe.

The minister concluded by outlining three guiding concepts for India's approach to the world:

  • Atmanirbharta (self-reliance): Focusing on developing indigenous capabilities in manufacturing, space, and digital applications, which in turn benefit the world.
  • Atmaraksha (securing oneself): Maintaining a "zero-tolerance for terrorism," ensuring robust border defense, and protecting Indian interests and citizens globally.
  • Atmavishwas (self-confidence): Acting with the conviction of a civilizational state, the world's most populous nation, and a major, rapidly growing economy that will always be a voice for the Global South.

"These are certainly challenging times for the international community," Jaishankar concluded. "The ninth decade of the UN must be one of leadership and hope. Bharat will do its fair share, and more."