Global South Left Outside: India Says UN Cannot Be Credible Without Asia, Africa, Latin America At The Table

Speaking at an international forum, Dr Jaishankar argued that today’s geopolitical realities are far removed from the post-World War II world in which the UN was created. He underlined that emerging economies and developing nations shoulder growing responsibilities in peacekeeping, trade, climate action and digital governance, yet remain underrepresented where decisions are actually taken.

Why UN Reform Matters Now

The minister noted that calls for a “rules-based international order” ring hollow if the institutions making those rules do not reflect present-day power balances and demographic weight. For India, he said, reform is not just about a permanent seat for itself, but about a broader voice for the Global South in UN decision-making and multilateral governance.

Security Council In A Time Warp

Dr Jaishankar pointed out that the UN Security Council’s permanent membership still reflects mid-20th century politics, not a multipolar 21st century. Without expansion to include major Asian, African and Latin American states, he warned, the Council risks drifting into irrelevance on conflicts, terrorism, climate security and emerging technology risks.

Reform Agenda Key Highlights

• UN reform, including expansion of the Security Council, described by Jaishankar as “central” and overdue.
• Greater representation of Asia, Africa and Latin America called “essential” so the Global South is not “short-changed.”
• Warning that UN effectiveness and credibility will remain constrained without meaningful change.
• Critique that key UN structures continue to reflect the realities of 1945, not of today’s world.
• Emphasis on giving the Global South a stronger voice in global governance, peacekeeping and rule-making.

Sources: MEA speeches by Dr S Jaishankar, The Hindu, UN News, Indian media coverage of Jaishankar’s UN reform remarks