How S Jaishankar's persuasive diplomacy at UNGA ensured India's diplomatic transformation on the world stage

In 2011, there was a humorous misstep at the UN General Assembly, when a certain Indian minister mistakenly read the speech intended for his Portuguese counterpart. The reactions were fierce, the jests innumerable, with online jesters quipping about Portugal outsourcing its speeches and India now being able to claim a certain football maestro. Yes, it was met with much sarcasm and mirth, and while some said such a blunder could happen to anyone, others couldn’t help but point out that this was not an ideal representation of a nation vying for a permanent UNSC seat. As Nietzsche once remarked, “All things are subject to interpretation. Whichever interpretation prevails at a given time is a function of power and not truth.” Thankfully, gone are those days. Bharat has evolved. Fast forward to 26 September 2023, S Jaishankar stood with unmatched eloquence, providing a masterclass to the developed world at UNGA, emphasizing the importance of hearing the voice of the Global South. His address resonated with the clarity of vision and purpose, starkly contrasting with previous diplomatic faux pas. India’s foreign policy has, indeed, matured, and the nation now stands as a confident powerhouse that the world listens to. S Jaishankar, India’s Minister of External Affairs, deftly gave a masterclass to the developed world, underscoring the imperatives of multilateralism reforms and advocating for global solidarity and mutual trust. He adroitly highlighted the structural inequities and uneven development that disproportionately burden the Global South, stressing how the pandemic and ongoing global tensions have further aggravated these stresses and rolled back the socioeconomic gains of recent years. He emphasized India’s sense of responsibility as it assumed the presidency of the G20, promoting a vision of ‘One Earth, One Family, One Future,’ seeking to bridge divides and dismantle barriers, fostering collaboration over discord, and unity over isolation. Jaishankar articulated the need to cater to the diverse international order and respect divergent viewpoints, maintaining that diplomacy and dialogue are the primary means to effective solutions and finding common ground. He highlighted India’s initiative to convene the ‘Voice of the Global South’ Summit during its G20 presidency, a move allowing the concerns of 125 nations to be placed directly on the G20 agenda. In this manner, India ensured that issues deserving global attention received a fair hearing and resulted in outcomes of significant international relevance. He underscored the admission of the African Union as a permanent member of the G20 as a substantial step in representation reforms. It brings forth the compelling argument regarding the justification, or rather the lack thereof, of excluding the world’s most populous nation and the fifth-largest economy from a permanent seat in the UNSC. This was highlighted during the intense deliberations at the G4 meeting on the sidelines of UNGA on 21 September 2023. The ministers collectively identified the strains multilateralism endures amidst the multifaceted crises enveloping the world. They concurred unanimously on the pressing need for comprehensive reforms to enable the UNSC to adeptly address contemporary global challenges and to align them with the prevailing geopolitical landscapes. The collective voice resonated with the urgency for expansion, stressing inclusivity both in permanent and non-permanent memberships to elevate its representational legitimacy, effectiveness, and efficiency. They also underlined the rectification of historical injustices in representation, pointing towards the overlooked regions such as Africa and Latin America. The G4 unequivocally backed the Common African Position (CAP) and stressed the necessity for Africa’s representation in reformed councils. Despite the positive strides in enhancing the visibility and transparency of the Inter-Governmental Negotiations (IGN), the echoing concern was the ongoing stagnation in the progress of Security Council reforms. This becomes significant because of the impending events like the Summit of the Future in 2024 and the UN’s 80th anniversary in 2025, crucial junctures for achieving decisive progress and tangible results on Security Council reform. Apart from this, India’s resolve to represent the voice of the global south is apparent in its continued endeavours to forge cooperative relations with diverse partners and promote global good harmoniously with national interests. India’s commitment to global solidarity is manifested in initiatives like Vaccine Maitri, International Solar Alliance, and Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure, which garnered extensive international support. Additionally, India’s development partnerships with 78 nations and its role as a first responder in emergency situations reflect its commitment to global welfare. By championing the concerns and aspirations of the global south, India is not only leading by example but also fostering an environment conducive to equitable growth, sustainable development, and mutual respect in the international arena. The emphasis on respect for territorial integrity, non-interference in internal affairs and the call for genuine solidarity underscore India’s vision for a balanced and fair international order. It is interesting to observe how some leaders, while heralding the virtues of a “rules-based order”, can sometimes neglect to adhere to the principles and norms they champion, especially when they point fingers at valued allies, citing unverified intelligence. The irony is palpable when a prime minister, of a nation known for its friendly demeanour and liberal stance, throws around accusations without substantiated evidence, conveniently overlooking instances within their borders where potential threats were seemingly allowed to operate and even conduct weapon training sessions with impunity. The instances of alleged lapses in national security within their borders, juxtaposed with the accusations, reflect a dichotomy between preached virtues of a “rules-based order” and the actual adherence to those principles and norms. Jaishankar’s words resonate profoundly in such instances, shedding light on the stark discrepancy between rhetoric and reality. When he stated, “…it is still a few nations who shape the agenda and seek to define the norms”, he highlighted how the sermons on ‘rules-based order’ become null when those who preach fail to practice. He efficiently underscored the need for a truly equitable and democratic global order, where rules do not subjugate but apply equally to all. His emphasis on mutual respect for international norms and the United Nations Charter demonstrates a call for genuine adherence to a rules-based order, urging nations to transcend the confines of mere lip service and embrace actual implementation. The vision of a fair, inclusive, and impartial international system serves as a wake-up call for those who selectively adhere to rules, reminding them that hollow rhetoric will eventually be challenged, and an unprejudiced order will surely prevail. The dichotomy between past gaffes and present gravitas in representation illustrates a matured and clear vision, sending forth ripples of reflection throughout the international corridors of power. The calls for reform and equitable representation, the emphasis on the needs and rights of the Global South, and the spotlight on the oft-mocked, now revered, resonate as a testament to India’s evolved diplomatic prowess and its unyielding quest for a balanced and fair international order. The course has been corrected; the world, take note. The author is OSD, Research, Economic Advisory Council to the Prime Minister. He tweets @adityasinha004. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely that of the author. They do not necessarily reflect Firstpost’s views. Read all the Latest News, Trending News, Cricket News, Bollywood News, India News and Entertainment News here. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.