Jaishankar Flags Global Terrorism at UNGA, Calls for Deeper International Cooperation
External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, addressing the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) on Saturday, highlighted the persistent threat of global terrorism and called for stronger international cooperation, while underlining India’s right to self-protection in the face of such threats.
Without naming Pakistan directly, Jaishankar described it as “a neighbour that is an epicentre of global terrorism for decades” and referred to the Pahalgam terror attack in April 2023, in which innocent tourists were killed.
He asserted that India exercised its right to defend its people and brought the organisers and perpetrators to justice.
India’s Pillars and Global Challenges
Jaishankar outlined India’s three strategic pillars: Atmanirbharta (self-reliance), Atmaraksha (self-protection), and Atmavishwas (self-confidence).
He noted that in trade, “non-market practices have gamed rules and regimes,” referencing global tariff volatility and market uncertainty, implicitly pointing to previous US trade policies under the Trump administration.
On global conflicts, including Ukraine and Gaza, he emphasised that nations not directly involved have still felt the impact.
“Nations that can engage all sides must step up in the search for solutions. India calls for an end to hostilities and will support initiatives that restore peace,” he said.
Countering Terrorism
Flagging the scourge of terrorism, Jaishankar stressed, “While asserting our rights, we must also firmly face up to threats.
Countering terrorism is a particular priority because of its synthesis of bigotry, violence, intolerance, and fear. India has confronted this challenge since Independence, having a neighbour that has been an epicentre of global terrorism for decades now.”
His remarks were met with thunderous applause at the UNGA.
He added, “For decades now, major international terrorist attacks have been traced back to that one country. The UN’s designated lists of terrorists are replete with its nationals.
When terror hubs operate on an industrial scale, and terrorists are publicly glorified, such actions must be unequivocally condemned.
Financing of terrorism must be choked, and relentless pressure must be applied on the entire ecosystem. Those who condone nations sponsoring terror will find that it comes back to bite them.”
Relevance of the United Nations
Jaishankar also questioned the UN’s role and relevance in addressing global challenges: “The UN Charter calls on us not just to prevent war but to build peace; not just to defend rights, but to uphold the dignity of every human being.
It challenges us to stand as good neighbours, uniting our strength so that future generations inherit a world of justice, progress, and lasting freedom.”
He stressed that these are “challenging times” for the international community. “A world order requires common purpose and empathy for others.
That is where we look to the United Nations. Every member capable of making this world a better place must have the opportunity to do their utmost. The ninth decade of the UN must be one of leadership and effort,” he said.
Past Remarks on Pakistan
Jaishankar has previously criticised Pakistan, stating that its GDP could be measured in terms of “radicalisation” and its exports in the form of “terrorism.”
He warned that Pakistan’s cross-border terrorism policy would “never succeed” and that its actions would inevitably have consequences.
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