India delivered a strong response to Pakistan at the United Nations General Assembly, with External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar asserting that efforts by a “serial practitioner of terrorism” to normalise terrorism and escape its consequences would not succeed.
Addressing the General Debate of the high-level 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly on Saturday, Jaishankar criticized attempts to misrepresent facts before the global body. His remarks came a day after Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif raised the Kashmir issue during his address to the Assembly.
Without naming Pakistan directly, Jaishankar said that arguments had been presented to justify and normalise terrorism while seeking immunity from its consequences. He maintained that such attempts would not stand and reaffirmed India's position against terrorism in all forms.
The External Affairs Minister emphasized that India would continue to exercise its right to defend itself against terrorism. He stated that friendship and goodwill cannot exist alongside terrorism and noted that any understandings based on such circumstances would naturally come under question. He added that it was the responsibility of those engaged in terrorism to change their approach.
Highlighting terrorism as a persistent threat to global peace and security, Jaishankar said the challenge becomes even more serious when terrorism is state-sponsored and pursued across borders. According to him, such actions amount to a direct challenge to the international order.
He urged the international community to ensure accountability for governments involved in such practices. Stressing the need for a firm global response, Jaishankar said there should be no dilution of the zero-tolerance approach towards terrorism and called for greater action against its financial networks.
During his speech, Jaishankar also raised concerns over ongoing conflicts in different parts of the world. Referring to the situation in the Gulf, he said the international community was witnessing a conflict that was worsening an already difficult situation. He also described developments in Ukraine as troubling and urged world leaders to work toward ending ongoing hostilities.
Calling for restraint, he appealed to all sides to de-escalate tensions, protect civilians and ensure the uninterrupted flow of energy supplies and global commerce.
The minister further highlighted growing security challenges in the maritime domain. He said attacks on commercial shipping and seafarers travelling through international waterways were completely unacceptable. Referring to incidents stretching from the Gulf and the Red Sea to the Black Sea, he noted that Indian seafarers, along with citizens of other countries, had lost their lives.
Jaishankar informed the Assembly that India has joined Liberia and 23 other partners in an initiative aimed at mobilising global public opinion against attacks on commercial shipping and seafarers.
He concluded by emphasizing the need for collective international efforts to safeguard peace, maintain secure maritime routes, and combat terrorism without compromise.