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India's External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar on Saturday asserted his country’s right to self-defense against terrorism, directly challenging remarks made by Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif at the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA). Speaking from the podium, Mr. Jaishankar declared there could be “no dilution” of the world’s zero-tolerance approach to terrorism.
Mr. Sharif had used his Friday address to criticize India, specifically mentioning “Operation Sindoor” from last year. Mr. Jaishankar responded sharply, stating, “Yesterday, a serial practitioner of terrorism misrepresented facts before this Assembly. Arguments were invoked to normalise terrorism and claim immunity from its consequences.”
The Pakistani Prime Minister had earlier described Kashmir as Pakistan's “jugular vein” and accused India of human rights violations in the region. Mr. Sharif also claimed the BJP government in India had unleashed a “reign of terror” against minorities. Mr. Jaishankar reiterated, “Our right to defend ourselves against terrorism will be exercised, ” adding that governments engaging in state-sponsored terrorism with a “cross-border purpose” must be held accountable.
Beyond the issue of terrorism, Mr. Jaishankar also addressed Mr. Sharif’s accusation that India was “weaponising water” by holding the Indus Waters Treaty in abeyance. “Friendship and goodwill cannot co-exist with terrorism. Understandings premised on that will naturally be called into question, ” the External Affairs Minister stated. Earlier on Saturday, Indian and Pakistani diplomats engaged in a sharp exchange as India exercised its right to reply to the Pakistan PM’s speech.
Mr. Jaishankar also briefed the UNGA on India’s stance regarding ongoing global conflicts, including the wars in Ukraine and West Asia. He noted that countries far removed from these conflicts were being “penalised for no fault of theirs, ” citing the impact on the “Four Fs”: Food, Fuel, Fertilizers, and Finance.
“Those most impacted often have the least say. This Assembly must face up to the true state of affairs, ” he told the delegates. He also condemned attacks on seafarers in both conflict zones, which have resulted in the deaths of 18 Indians among others. “This is completely unacceptable, ” Mr. Jaishankar said. India has joined Liberia and 23 other partners in an initiative to rally global public opinion against such targeting.
Regarding the conflict in Gaza, Mr. Jaishankar affirmed India’s belief that peace necessitates a two-state solution. New Delhi continues its humanitarian efforts, providing relief supplies to Palestinians. He spoke on the fifth day of the General Assembly, emphasizing that a multi-polar world was emerging.
The External Affairs Minister suggested the post-1945 international order would need to adapt to “new realities.” He called for “an intrinsically diverse world with a more democratic future.” He also advocated for reformed multilateralism, specifically referencing the need to expand the UN Security Council to ensure greater representation.
This marked the fifth time Mr. Jaishankar delivered India’s National Statement at the UNGA. Prime Minister
