External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar has warned against power plays that distort multilateralism and urged an immediate overhaul of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC). Addressing the first G20 Foreign Ministers’ Meeting in Johannesburg, he called for a transparent and inclusive approach to global governance, asserting that “agreements entered into must be observed, and there must be no room for coercion.”
While not explicitly naming China, S Jaishankar’s remarks come amid rising tensions over Beijing’s aggressive posturing in the Indo-Pacific, its expanding naval presence in the Indian Ocean, and its strategic alignment with Pakistan. His words carried weight against the backdrop of China’s participation in the AMAN-2025 naval exercise—a move seen as part of its broader “String of Pearls” strategy to encircle India with military outposts and strategic alliances.
S Jaishankar’s critique of the current global order was unsparing. He stressed that international institutions, particularly the UNSC, have become paralysed due to the dominance of select powers that manipulate decision-making processes for their own benefit.
“Just getting the UNSC back to work is not enough; its working methods and representation must change. More plurilateralism is required to plug global deficits. International cooperation itself must be less opaque or unilateral. And the global agenda cannot be narrowed down to the interests of a few,” he asserted.
India has been vocal about the need for UNSC reform, pointing to the disproportionate control exercised by the five permanent members—China, the US, Russia, the UK, and France. S Jaishankar’s remarks reinforced India’s demand for a permanent seat at the high table, reflecting its growing role as a global stabiliser.
S Jaishankar’s speech was delivered against the backdrop of rising maritime tensions, with China steadily expanding its naval footprint in the Indian Ocean. Ostensibly under the guise of “anti-piracy” operations and maritime security, Beijing has deployed warships, submarines, and research vessels to the region—moves that have set alarm bells ringing in New Delhi.
China’s participation in AMAN-2025 alongside the US, Japan, Italy, and Indonesia raised further concerns about its strategic maneuvers. India, as a direct countermeasure, launched its own large-scale naval exercise, TROPEX, to test its war readiness and reaffirm its role as the regional maritime security guarantor.
“Ensuring maritime security in and around this region is also essential. Indian naval forces have contributed to that in the Arabian Sea and Gulf of Aden. Restoring normal maritime commerce remains a priority,” S Jaishankar said, reinforcing India’s commitment to stability in the region.
The Bharatiya Navy’s intensified presence in the Indian Ocean is seen as a clear signal to China, whose so-called “research vessels” have frequently been accused of intelligence gathering on India’s strategic assets.
S Jaishankar also addressed broader global conflicts, particularly the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war. He welcomed the ceasefire in Gaza while condemning terrorism and reaffirming India’s support for a two-state solution. “We welcome the Gaza ceasefire and hostage release, support humanitarian assistance, condemn terrorism, and advocate a two-state solution. Maintaining the ceasefire in Lebanon and ensuring an inclusive Syrian-led, Syrian-owned solution are important. Peace and stability in the region is vital for the entire world,” he stated.
On the Russia-Ukraine war, S Jaishankar reiterated India’s consistent call for diplomacy and negotiations, distancing New Delhi from Western pressure to take sides. “Regarding the Ukraine conflict, we have long advocated dialogue and diplomacy. Today, the world expects that parties concerned deal with each other to end the war,” he said.
His remarks come amid reports that former US President Donald Trump is negotiating a peace agreement with Russia, potentially sidelining European leaders and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. Such a development could drastically alter the geopolitical landscape, and India’s position remains rooted in pragmatic diplomacy.
In a powerful conclusion, S Jaishankar warned against allowing political tensions to escalate into full-blown conflicts, calling on G20 nations to uphold international law, honor the UN Charter, and strengthen global institutions.
“Differences must not become disputes, disputes should not become conflicts, and conflicts should not lead to a bigger breakdown. There are lessons from the last few years for all of us to reflect on. But equally, an experience to draw upon as we seek to lead the world to a better place,” he concluded.
