Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi made headlines recently during his appearance on the Lex Fridman podcast, where he sharply criticized the United Nations and other international organizations, claiming they have lost their relevance amid rising global conflicts. Modi articulated his views on March 16, 2025, during a conversation with the American podcaster and computer scientist, addressing the inability of these institutions to adapt to the current world order.
His comments came against the backdrop of persistent global tensions, such as the Russia-Ukraine conflict and the Israel-Gaza clashes, highlighting the urgent need for effective international governance. Modi stated, "The international organizations... have become almost irrelevant; there is no reform in them." This candid remark underscored his dissatisfaction with the UN's effectiveness as conflicts continue to escalate unchecked.
During the podcast, Modi lamented, "People in the world who do not care about laws and rules are doing everything, no one is able to stop them," urging nations to abandon the path of conflict for one of cooperation. His insistence on development over expansionism emphasized India's stance on international collaboration, asserting, "The world is interdependent, interconnected; everyone needs everyone, no one can do anything alone." Modi expressed hope for global relief from conflict, envisioning pathways toward peace and unity.
The Prime Minister's remarks resonate with India's long-standing ambition for greater representation within the United Nations Security Council (UNSC). India has actively sought permanent membership, having served as a non-permanent member for the term 2021-2022. Notably, countries like the UK and France have publicly backed India's bid, yet progress has been stalled by resistance from other permanent members.
On March 17, 2025, the Congress party criticized Modi's statements, framing them as attempts to appease US President Donald Trump. Congress general secretary and communications head Jairam Ramesh remarked, "Mr. Modi clearly is going out of his way to keep Mr. Trump in good humour... this is the US President's language." He argued against Modi’s dismissal of international organizations, emphasizing their importance to India—particularly entities like the World Health Organization (WHO) and the World Trade Organization (WTO)—which have benefited the nation.
Ramesh's rebuttal also cited the Paris Agreement on climate change, questioning whether Modi believes such initiatives are not advantageous for India. His critique centered on the idea of reforming multilateralism rather than casting it aside, remarking, "Multilateralism needs reforms but does not deserve wholesale condemnation of the type President Trump and Prime Minister Modi are indulging in." This highlights the tension within India's political discourse about its role on the global stage.
Modi's remarks on Trump during the podcast were equally noteworthy; he hailed the former president as "a man of courage who took his own decisions" and reflected on Trump's resilience following physical threats during his election campaign. Modi pointedly acknowledged the semblance of mutual trust and shared national priorities between himself and Trump, reinforcing their relationship. "We connect well because we believe in putting our respective national interests above everything else," Modi shared, adding credence to the notion of India aligning closely with US policies under the current administration.
These recent events illuminate the broader geopolitical dynamics between India and global institutions. Modi's criticism of the UN and similar entities reflects not only dissatisfaction with their current functions but also the increasing assertion of India's national interests on the world stage. The Congress party's pushback highlights the complex interplay between international relations and domestic political narratives concerning national identity and leadership philosophy.
While Modi's call for necessary reforms echoes sentiments shared by world leaders about the inadequacies of international governance, it simultaneously raises questions about India's commitment to multilateral engagement, especially as the country vies for greater influence within platforms like the UNSC.
Looking forward, Modi's critiques of international organizations and his alignment with Trump could significantly influence public opinion and India's diplomatic strategies. The shifting global alliances and the perceived decline of traditional international foundations compel nations to reconsider their roles and responsibilities within these frameworks, particularly as leaders like Modi advocate for alternatives centered on sovereign interests and national priorities.
With the emergence of new geopolitical realities, the world watches intently as India navigates these waters, balancing its aspirations for global leadership with complex interpersonal dynamics defining international relations today.