Prime Minister Narendra Modi, during a recent interview on the Lex Fridman podcast, openly criticized the United Nations (UN), describing it as “irrelevant and ineffective.”
His remarks come at a time when there is growing skepticism about the UN’s ability to address contemporary global challenges, including geopolitical conflicts, climate change, economic instability, and humanitarian crises.
Modi’s critique aligns with broader concerns regarding the efficacy of international organizations in adapting to the rapidly evolving global landscape. In his remarks, he questioned whether the UN, originally established in 1945, has successfully evolved to reflect the present-day realities of international politics. He pointed out that the structure and decision-making mechanisms within the UN—particularly the United Nations Security Council (UNSC)—remain outdated, with power concentrated in a handful of nations, limiting its ability to respond effectively to modern crises.
This statement also underscores India’s long-standing advocacy for UN reforms, particularly in expanding the UNSC’s permanent membership to include nations such as India, Brazil, Germany, and Japan. As one of the world’s largest democracies and fastest-growing economies, India has repeatedly emphasized the need for a more inclusive and representative global governance system that acknowledges the influence of emerging powers.
The broader discourse on UN reform has gained momentum in recent years, with various international leaders, scholars, and analysts expressing concerns over the organization’s inability to mediate conflicts effectively, enforce resolutions, or respond swiftly to humanitarian emergencies. Reports suggest that the UN’s influence in addressing global issues has diminished, with regional and bilateral alliances often stepping in to fill the void.
By openly challenging the UN’s relevance, Modi has reignited the conversation on global institutional restructuring, urging world leaders to take decisive steps toward a more equitable, effective, and modern international order. His remarks are likely to spark further debate on the future of multilateralism and whether the world’s institutions can adapt to meet the challenges of the 21st century.