Jaishankar called for stronger multilateralism and a reform of global institutions during the United Nations General Assembly, warning that the global order is under stress from “extreme competition, geopolitical tensions and actual conflicts”. Speaking in New York, the minister urged world leaders to strengthen multilateral cooperation to preserve international security, climate action, emerging technologies, development finance, counterterrorism, supply-chain resilience, disaster preparedness and pandemics.
Global Order Under Stress
Jaishankar addressed the Partners for Multilateralism, International Law, Peace & Prosperity (P4M) Summit on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly. He stated that the international community is navigating a period of major structural change driven by geopolitical tensions and actual conflicts. Jaishankar warned that if these trends continue unchecked, they will actively undermine the foundation of international cooperation.
“We meet at a time when the global order is under stress,” Jaishankar said. He emphasized that multilateral institutions must assert themselves strongly to preserve cooperative frameworks and address shared global challenges effectively.
The Push for Reformed Multilateralism
Co-chaired by Jaishankar and European Council President António Costa, the P4M Summit focused heavily on the necessity of institutional reforms. Jaishankar argued that the current framework of global governance is inadequate for managing modern complexities. He stressed that international law, rules, and norms must be scrupulously observed to ensure multilateralism delivers tangible results.
“Reformed multilateralism is therefore essential,” Jaishankar noted. He highlighted that countries with shared interests should have the confidence to collaborate where there is a compelling case for action, while warning that both the advocacy and practice of global cooperation require immediate strengthening.
Key Areas Requiring Urgent Global Cooperation
Jaishankar outlined multiple critical areas that depend entirely on nations maintaining a willingness to work together.
- The future of peace and international security
- Climate action and climate justice
- Emerging technologies and development finance
- Counterterrorism and supply-chain resilience
- Disaster preparedness and global pandemics
The external affairs minister also drew attention to what he termed the “four F crisis”—encompassing fuel, food, fertilizer and finance—asserting that these vital sectors cannot be left to unmanaged market forces. He called for clear frameworks and guardrails around new capabilities and urged nations to encourage supply-chain diversification to mitigate risks associated with choke points, dominance and disruption.