At the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), India's External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar delivered a forceful address, touching upon critical global issues and India's role in a changing world order. His speech, delivered on September 27, 2025, offered a critical assessment of the UN’s efforts in addressing conflicts, climate change, and terrorism.
Jaishankar began by invoking the UN Charter, emphasizing the need to not only prevent war but also to build peace and uphold human dignity. He questioned the UN's effectiveness in meeting expectations, particularly concerning the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), painting "a sorry picture" of their progress. He asserted India's commitment to ending conflicts and offering assistance where possible.
A significant portion of Jaishankar's address focused on the threat of terrorism. He stated firmly that the world must show "neither tolerance nor accommodation to terrorist activities". Without directly naming Pakistan, Jaishankar pointed to it as the "epicenter of global terror", a country to which major terror attacks could be traced.
Jaishankar also addressed geopolitical tensions and perceived double standards. News sources highlight that he criticized the West, especially the U.S., for pressuring India on key issues and applying double standards. He staunchly defended India's sovereignty, strategic choices, and its growing global role, signaling a confident and assertive stance on the international stage.
Furthermore, Jaishankar addressed the economic dimensions of global peace and development. He stressed that "by threatening development, we cannot facilitate peace". In a world facing economic fragility, he advocated for dialogue and diplomacy rather than actions that could further complicate conflicts.
On the sidelines of the UNGA session, Jaishankar actively participated in key BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa) and IBSA (India, Brazil, South Africa) sessions. During the BRICS meeting, the nations collectively condemned rising protectionism and tariff volatility. Jaishankar and his counterparts expressed "grave concerns" over the situation in Palestine and condemned recent Israeli attacks. The group also reaffirmed its commitment to multilateralism and the reform of global institutions. The IBSA trilateral meeting echoed the BRICS condemnation of the Israeli attacks.
In other related news, Jaishankar criticized former President Donald Trump's recent meeting with Pakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, emphasizing the implications for regional security and international diplomacy.
