External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar called for immediate reforms at the United Nations on Saturday. He made the demand while addressing the 81st session of the UN General Assembly in New York.

Jaishankar said the world is moving towards a multipolar system. He said the UN must change to reflect this new global reality. He also stressed the need for wider participation and transparent decision-making.

"We are now well on our way towards a multipolar world. The post-1945 order is giving way to new realities. This process of adjustment, accommodation and acceptance will not be easy. Much of the turbulence that we witness today emanates from those very difficulties," Jaishankar said. He said the world cannot stop its move towards a more democratic system. He also said countries must use dialogue to manage differences.

"Yet, the march of an intrinsically diverse world, towards a more democratic future, cannot be halted. Peace in a pluralistic order requires civil conversations; it requires broad-based consultations; it requires transparent decision-making," he added.

Jaishankar said global decision-making must include a larger section of humanity. He argued that major parts of the world cannot remain outside the process.

"The case for reformed multilateralism only gets stronger day after day," he remarked.

Delivering 🇮🇳’s statement at the 81st session of the @UN General Assembly. #UNGA81 https://t.co/IcMcmTNNAc

— Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) September 26, 2026

India Pushes for Greater UN Representation

India has long called for reforms in the UN system. New Delhi has also sought a permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council. India says the UN structure should reflect present-day global realities. Jaishankar has repeatedly called for a more representative and effective multilateral system.

The Security Council currently has 15 members. Five countries hold permanent seats and veto power. They are China, France, Russia, the United Kingdom and the United States. The council also has 10 non-permanent members. Member states elect them for two-year terms.

Russia Backs India's Permanent UNSC Seat

Russia also backed India's bid for a permanent seat on the Security Council during the 81st UNGA. Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said Moscow supports expanding representation from Asia, Africa and Latin America. He specifically backed India and Brazil for permanent seats.

Lavrov said Russia supports giving the Global South a larger role in the Security Council. He also opposed adding more Western countries to the permanent membership. He specifically objected to permanent seats for Germany and Japan. Lavrov argued that UNSC reform should focus on broader representation from regions that remain underrepresented.

BRICS Also Calls for UN Reforms

Jaishankar's call came soon after the BRICS summit in New Delhi earlier this month. The 11-member BRICS grouping called for immediate reforms to the United Nations in its New Delhi Declaration. The declaration also supported permanent seats for India and Brazil on the Security Council.

The discussions reflect a wider debate over the future structure of the UN and its ability to represent the current global balance of power. India has continued to push for reforms that would give developing countries and the Global South a larger role in international decision-making.