New Delhi calls for 'reformed multilateralism' as UN General Assembly head visits India

By Ahmad Adil

NEW DELHI (AA) – New Delhi on Wednesday called for reformed multilateralism as the UN General Assembly President Philemon Yang met Foreign Minister S. Jaishankar in the Indian capital.

Yang is on a four-day visit to the South Asian nation.

“Pleasure to meet UN PGA Philemon Yang this afternoon in Delhi,” Jaishankar wrote on X.

“Discussed various issues on the UN agenda, including the need for reformed multilateralism,” he said, adding that the two also “exchanged views on regional, global and developmental issues.”

Other than New Delhi, several nations, including Türkiye, have demanded reforms of the UN as well as the often-deadlocked Security Council.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has long denounced that the five permanent Security Council member system – under which those countries can single-handedly veto important decisions – saying: “The world is bigger than five.”

Earlier, Yang said he was "delighted" to arrive in the vibrant city of New Delhi.

“Eager to experience the cultural richness of this diverse country, steeped in profound history, and to engage in discussions with senior government officials and the United Nations country team,” he said.