External Affairs Minister (EAM) S Jaishankar on Friday said “all is not well” with the United Nations as its debates have become “increasingly polarised” and its working “visibly gridlocked”. Jaishankar also criticised those equating victims and perpetrators of terrorism in the name of global strategy, in an apparent reference to the hyphenation of India and Pakistan in the context of the dastardly Pahalgam terror attack. The EAM was speaking at an event that celebrated the 80th anniversary of the United Nations (UN).

“Any meaningful reform is obstructed using the reform process itself,” he said, adding that sustaining the UN even while seeking its re-invention is clearly a major challenge before the world.

“Few examples are more telling about the challenges facing the UN than its response to terrorism. When a sitting Security Council member openly protects the very organisation that claims responsibility for the barbaric terror attack, such as at Pahalgam, what does it do to the credibility of multilateralism?” Jaishankar asked.

“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 said.

Though Jaishankar didn’t directly name Pakistan, it was abundantly clear from his remarks that he was referring to the country. The Resistance Front (TRF), a proxy of the Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) terror group, had claimed responsibility for the Pahalgam terror attack. TRF also found mention in a UNSC report in July for its role in the Pahalgam attack. Pakistan had attempted to remove references to TRF in the UNSC press statement condemning the Pahalgam attack, according to officials.

In his remarks, Jaishankar suggested that the UN has failed to address pressing issues. “If the maintenance of international peace and security has become lip service, the predicament of development and socio-economic progress is even more serious,” he said.

Jaishankar also reiterated India’s commitment to the “ideals of peace and security”, as well as development and progress.

“India has always been and will continue to be a strong votary of the United Nations, and indeed, of multilateralism. Our commitment to global peace and security is reflected, amongst others, in our staunch support for peacekeeping,” he said.

(With PTI inputs)