India's Foreign Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar, while addressing a special meeting at the historic Adwa Memorial Museum in Addis Ababa, the capital of Ethiopia, targeted the duality of the global system. He strongly criticized countries that are deliberately delaying the long-pending reform process in the United Nations Security Council (UNSC). He said that the current Security Council has completely failed to reflect the reality of the modern world and does not represent it properly.
A pleasure to address a distinguished gathering at the Adwa Memorial Museum, Addis Ababa.
Spoke about the India – Africa Partnership, that is historic, based on shared solidarities and one which seeks fairness, representation, opportunity and the freedom to shape our own future.
Highlighted:
➡️ How 'Viksit Bharat by 2047' and 'Agenda 2063' visions emphasize industrialisation. And that it must not be denied by flooding our markets with cheap goods or by restricting our market access.
➡️ Our robust trade and investment relationship, in manufacturing, telecommunications, pharmaceuticals, energy, mining, agriculture, infrastructure, financial services and information technology.
➡️ Our mutual conviction for self-reliance, a viable basis for the future of our enduring partnership.
➡️ Our Development partnership will respond to the priorities of our partners. India has supported more than 220 projects in power generation, electricity transmission, water, agriculture, railways, health, manufacturing and public infrastructure.
➡️ Our commitment to building capacities. In the last decade, more than 70,000 African students and professionals have been supported by India in this aspect.
➡️ The transformative impact of digital governance, as well as growing India stack cooperation with Africa. Space, Drone and AI are new frontiers of this cooperation.
➡️ Our efforts to promote Africa's health security, including through Vaccine support, Pharmaceutical investments and gifting Bhabatron cancer machines.
➡️The promise of deeper cooperation in agri productivity, climate-resilient practices, value-add and food processing. Partnerships of the future must help create capabilities, not dependencies.
➡️ Our deepening security & maritime cooperation as well as our India's contribution of peacekeeping operations in Africa.
➡️The importance of reformed multilateralism reflective of contemporary realities. The inclusion of AU in G20 during 🇮🇳's presidency is a step-forward.
➡️ That Africa will remain among India's highest priorities, as articulated by PM Modi in Kampala.
—Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) October 9, 2026
Jaishankar made it clear that the absence or less representation of India and the African continent at the global decision-making stage is absolutely unacceptable in today's 21st century. India and African countries are bearing the brunt of the old global order, and now is the time for major changes in multilateral institutions. The real reason for the diminishing importance of UNSC: Ineffective and incomplete representation.
In his speech, Dr. Jaishankar spoke in great detail on the current condition of the United Nations. In the face of global crises, wars and economic challenges over the past decade, the United Nations has proven increasingly helpless and ineffective. The main reason for this is that the world's largest population and fastest growing economy is not properly represented in the Security Council.
He said that the main objective of the reforms in the Security Council is not just to add a few more seats or seats to the existing system. Rather, the real objective of these reforms is to make global governance more democratic, accountable and truly representative. The United Nations will not be able to regain its credibility and influence until all continents get their rightful share in international institutions.
The African Union's success in the G20 and the path to the United Nations
India, through its strategic role, has always raised the voice of developing and African countries at the global level. During India's G20 Presidency in 2023, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Indian diplomacy played a historic role in getting the African Union a permanent member of this important global forum.
Recalling this success, Dr. Jaishankar made it clear that the same justice and principle that Africa received in the G20 should also be applied to the reforms of the United Nations Security Council. The African continent should get full and proper representation in both the permanent and temporary categories of the United Nations.
India-Africa relations dating back thousands of years and shared dreams for the future
Relations between India and the African continent are not limited to today's diplomatic relations, but have a rich historical heritage spanning thousands of years. Both regions have fought against colonialism since independence and face common economic and social challenges. Jaishankar reiterated that Africa has always been a top priority in India's foreign policy and will remain so in future.
Talking about future goals, he said India is working towards the dream of becoming a 'Developed India' by 2024, the year marking the 100th anniversary of its independence. On the other hand, the African continent has also charted its progress and created a picture of a prosperous Africa through 'Agenda 2063'. This common goal of both the countries will not only develop their respective areas, but will also contribute significantly in making the world more balanced and multipolar.
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