Indian Foreign Minister S. Jaishankar has warned that the world is entering a period of growing uncertainty, posing unique challenges to the Global South. Speaking in New York, he highlighted how war, climate change, and economic shocks are straining developing nations.
Jaishankar’s Address to the Global South
At a high-level meeting of like-minded nations from the Global South in New York, Jaishankar emphasized that the global system is under serious stress.
“We are meeting at a time of uncertainty, when the global situation is of growing concern,” he said.
He outlined a list of challenges that have intensified in recent years:
COVID-19 pandemic shocks
Wars in Ukraine and Gaza
Extreme climate events
Trade instability and volatile investment flows
High interest rates impacting growth
A slowdown in the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) agenda
Jaishankar warned that developing nations’ hard-earned rights and expectations in the international system are now being undermined.
Crisis in Multilateralism
Jaishankar noted that while countries in the Global South naturally look to multilateralism for solutions, the reality is far from reassuring.
“The very concept of multilateralism is under threat. International organizations are becoming ineffective or lacking resources. The foundations of the contemporary system are crumbling,” he said.
He stressed that delays in much-needed reforms to global institutions such as the United Nations have further weakened their ability to respond to global crises.
Why It Matters
The Global South, home to most of the world’s population, faces disproportionate impacts from conflicts, economic instability, and climate disasters. India’s call for reform reflects a growing demand among developing countries for a stronger voice in shaping the global order.
Analysts say Jaishankar’s remarks underline India’s role as a leading voice for fairness, equity, and representation in the evolving world system.
Conclusion
Foreign Minister S. Jaishankar’s warning in New York highlights the urgency of reforming international institutions to address the pressing concerns of the Global South. As wars, pandemics, and climate crises continue to reshape the world, the call for a more inclusive and effective multilateral order is growing louder.
