PM Modi criticizes UN, other international organizations for failing to address global conflicts

In a podcast interview on March 16 with American physicist Lex Fridman, Prime Minister Narendra Modi criticized the United Nations and other international organizations for failing to keep pace with escalating global crises, particularly the ongoing wars in the Middle East and rising tensions between the US and China.

PM Modi argued that, due to the "lack of reform" in these organizations, they have become "almost irrelevant."

He said, "Today, I see so many types of conflicts occurring. While physical battles are often discussed, struggles are happening in every domain. International organizations that were once powerful have become almost irrelevant."

He continued, "The international organizations that were created have become almost irrelevant; there is no reform in them. Institutions like the UN can no longer play their intended role. People around the world who disregard laws and rules are acting unchecked, and no one is able to stop them."

PM Modi stressed the importance of the UN adapting to the evolving global landscape.

"We must also understand that the world has become one small village today. No country can thrive in isolation. We all depend on one another, and no one can go far alone," he said.

He added, "That’s why we must learn to synchronize with everyone, and others must learn to synchronize with you. That’s the only way to push this initiative forward. Organizations like the United Nations were created after the First World War, but they have failed to evolve with the times, and their inability to adapt has sparked a global debate about their relevance."

The Prime Minister reflected on the lessons learned from the COVID-19 pandemic, which exposed the limitations of every nation and highlighted the necessity for global unity amid rising international tensions.

"COVID-19 revealed the limitations of all of us. No matter how advanced a nation considers itself—be it progressive or scientifically advanced—every country faced the same challenges. During the pandemic, we all came down to earth," PM Modi said.

He continued, "It seemed that the world would learn something from this experience, and we would move toward a new world order. Unfortunately, instead of moving toward peace, the world fractured, uncertainty prevailed, and war deepened the crisis."

Additionally, PM Modi called for a shift from confrontation to collaboration, arguing that a development-driven strategy is the best course of action.

He emphasized the need for nations to support one another, reaffirming that expansionism will not succeed in a globalized and interdependent world.

"As I said earlier, the world is interdependent and interconnected. Everyone needs everyone—no one can do anything alone. And from the different forums I attend, I see that everyone is concerned about conflict. We hope to see relief from it soon," the PM added.

In his speech at the United Nations General Assembly’s (UNGA) "Summit of the Future" last year, Prime Minister Modi made a compelling case for change, emphasizing that reform is essential to remaining relevant.

He argued that global action "must match" global ambition.

India has long advocated for membership in the United Nations Security Council (UNSC).

According to New Delhi, the 15-nation council, established in 1945, is no longer fit for its purpose and fails to reflect the geopolitical realities of the 21st century.

India last held a seat as a non-permanent member during the 2021–2022 term.

Currently, the UNSC consists of ten non-permanent members and five permanent members. The 10 non-permanent members are elected by the UN General Assembly to serve two-year terms.

Each of the five permanent members—the United States, China, France, Russia, and the United Kingdom—holds the power to veto any significant resolution.

Previously, the US, UK, and France have expressed support for India’s inclusion in the UNSC.