Archive · 18 Jan 2026
India's Role in Remaking the UN
The United Nations, created to maintain global peace, is now seen as weak, especially during recent conflicts like the Russia-Ukraine war and the crisis in Gaza.
Historian Thant Myint-U, grandson of former UN Secretary-General U Thant, spoke about these issues at the Jaipur Literature Festival.
He explained that the UN was more effective in the 1950s and 1960s when countries like India and Burma played a significant role.
India, for example, supplied troops for UN missions, which helped prevent larger conflicts.
Today, the UN struggles to be relevant, and Thant Myint-U suggests that countries need to invest in global peace institutions to prevent another world war.
The UN is perceived as weak and ineffective in maintaining global peace, especially during recent conflicts.
Historian Thant Myint-U discussed the UN's history and India's role in shaping it at the Jaipur Literature Festival.
The UN was more effective in the 1950s and 1960s when countries like India and Burma were actively involved.
India supplied troops for UN missions, which helped prevent larger conflicts, such as during the Congo crisis.
Thant Myint-U emphasizes the need for countries to invest in global peace institutions to prevent another world war.
- Who
- Historian Thant Myint-U, grandson of former UN Secretary-General U Thant
- What
- Discussion on the UN's role in global peace and India's historical contribution
- When
- During the Jaipur Literature Festival
- Where
- Jaipur, India
- Why
- To explore the UN's current ineffectiveness and the importance of India's role in shaping global peace institutions
- Historian
- Thant Myint-U
- Book
- Peacemaker (2025)
- UN Secretary-General
- U Thant (1961-71)
- Key Countries
- India, Burma (Myanmar), US, Russia, UK
- Key Events
- Decolonization, Cold War, Congo Crisis
- Current UN Status
- Perceived as weak and ineffective
- India's Contribution
- Supplied troops for UN missions
- Key Message
- Need to invest in global peace institutions