New York: External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar strongly criticized Pakistan at the 80th session of the UN General Assembly, branding it the “epicentre of global terrorism.” He also voiced concerns about global trade disruptions, citing “uncertain market access” created by U.S.-imposed tariffs.
Jaishankar said India had battled terrorism since independence and faced repeated aggression from its neighbour, Pakistan. “For decades, major international terrorist attacks have been traced back to Pakistan. UN-designated lists of terrorists are replete with Pakistani nationals,” he said, highlighting the recent Pahalgam terror strike as the latest case of “cross-border barbarism.”
He reaffirmed India’s right to defend its citizens, referring to Operation Sindoor in May, which targeted the masterminds and perpetrators of terrorist attacks. Accusing Pakistan of treating terrorism as state policy, Jaishankar said it ran terror hubs on an “industrial scale” while glorifying militants publicly. “Relentless pressure must be applied on the entire terror ecosystem,” he warned, cautioning nations that shield state sponsors of terrorism.
Turning to UN reforms, the minister declared that the organisation was “in a state of crisis,” unable to act effectively when peace was at risk or resources were lacking. He said reforming the Security Council was urgent, calling for expansion of both permanent and non-permanent categories. “A reformed council must be truly representative, and India stands ready to assume greater responsibilities,” Jaishankar stated.
Concluding his address, he pointed to India’s global development role under Prime Minister Narendra Modi, noting over 600 major projects across 78 countries, alongside numerous community-led initiatives.
