Jaishankar Condemns Pakistan’s Terror Policy at UNGA, Calls for Consequences and Global Reforms
India exercised its Right of Reply in the UN General Assembly on Friday in response to Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif raising the issue of Jammu and Kashmir in his UNGA address.
Maintaining that Pakistan’s GDP can only be measured in terms of “radicalization” and its exports in the form of “terrorism,” External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar said on Saturday that Pakistan’s cross-border terrorism policy will “never succeed,” can have no expectation of impunity, and “actions will certainly have consequences.”
Speaking at the 79th UN General Assembly, Jaishankar declared, “Terrorism is antithetical to everything that the world stands for. All its forms and manifestations must be resolutely opposed. The sanctioning of global terrorists by the United Nations should also not be impeded for political reasons.”
Jaishankar emphasized that many countries are left behind due to circumstances beyond their control. However, some nations make conscious choices that lead to disastrous outcomes. He identified Pakistan as a prime example, stating, “Unfortunately, their misdeeds affect others as well, especially the neighborhood.
When this polity instills such fanaticism among its people, its GDP can only be measured in terms of radicalization and its exports in the form of terrorism. Today, we see the ills it sought to visit on others consume its own society. It can’t blame the world; this is only karma.”
Jaishankar pointed out the irony of a dysfunctional nation coveting the lands of others and emphasized the need to expose and counter such behavior. Referring to Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s assertions regarding the abrogation of Article 370, he said, “We heard some bizarre assertions from it at this forum yesterday.”
In his speech on Friday, Sharif spoke at length about Kashmir, drawing parallels with the Palestinian struggle for freedom and self-determination. He called on India to reverse the unilateral and illegal measures of August 2019, referring to the abrogation of Article 370, and to engage in dialogue for a peaceful resolution of the Jammu and Kashmir issue in accordance with UN Security Council resolutions and the wishes of the Kashmiri people.
Jaishankar made India’s position clear: “Pakistan’s cross-border terrorism policy will never succeed. And it can have no expectation of impunity. On the contrary, actions will certainly have consequences. The issue to be resolved between us is now only the vacation of illegally occupied Indian territory by Pakistan. And of course, the abandonment of Pakistan’s long-standing attachment to terrorism.”
Without naming China, Jaishankar stressed that the sanctioning of global terrorists by the United Nations should not be impeded for political reasons—an oblique reference to Beijing’s blocking of listing Pakistan-based terrorists at the UN.
He also criticized China’s economic strategies, including the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor and debt-trap diplomacy, stating, “Unfair trade practices threaten jobs, just as unviable projects raise debt levels. Any connectivity that flouts sovereignty and territorial integrity acquires strategic connotations. Especially when it is not a shared endeavor.”
In his 17-minute speech, Jaishankar outlined the challenges of 2024: “We are gathered here at a difficult time. The world is yet to recover from the ravages of the Covid pandemic. A war in Ukraine is well into its third year. The conflict in Gaza is acquiring wider ramifications.” He expressed concerns about the current global situation, stating, “In truth, the world stands fractious, polarized, and frustrated.
Conversations have become difficult; agreements even more so. This is surely not what the founders of the United Nations would have wanted of us. If the world is in such a state, this body must ask itself: how has this come to pass? The problems arise from a combination of structural shortcomings, political calculations, naked self-interest, and yes, disregard for those left behind.”
Recalling the debates during the inception of the UN, he noted, “The debates of that era centered around how to ensure world peace, a prerequisite for global prosperity. Today, we find both peace and prosperity equally endangered.
And that is because trust has eroded and processes have broken down. Countries have extracted more from the international system than they have put into it, enfeebling it in the process. We see that vividly in every challenge and every crisis. Reforming multilateralism is, therefore, an imperative.”
The urgency of this call was underscored by the theme of the Session: Leaving no one behind means advancing peace, ensuring sustainable development, and strengthening human dignity. Jaishankar emphasized that these goals cannot be delivered by a UN paralyzed by division, conflict, terrorism, and violence. Nor can they be advanced if access to food, fuel, and fertilizer is jeopardized.
Seeking to provide solutions to the current global situation, Jaishankar asserted, “The world cannot be fatalistic about the continuation of violence on a large scale, no more than be impervious to its broader consequences. Whether it is the war in Ukraine or the conflict in Gaza, the international community seeks urgent solutions. These sentiments must be acknowledged and acted upon.” He highlighted the importance of respecting international law, especially by permanent members of the UN Security Council, implicitly referencing China and Russia.
“The UN is a testimony to the agreed principles and shared objectives of the world order. Respect for international law and commitments are among the foremost in that regard. If we are to ensure global security and stability, then it is essential that those who seek to lead, set the right example. Nor can we countenance egregious violations of our basic tenets.”
Jaishankar called for reform within the UN, stating, “The global order is inherently pluralistic and diverse. The UN began with 51 members; we are now 193. The world has changed profoundly and so have its concerns and opportunities. But to address both and indeed to strengthen the order itself, it is essential that the UN be the central platform for finding common ground.
And that it certainly cannot be, by remaining anachronistic. Large parts of the world cannot be left behind when it comes to deciding the key issues of our times. An effective and efficient UN, a more representative UN, and a UN fit for purpose in the contemporary era is essential.”
Concluding his speech, Jaishankar emphasized the need for collective action: “Let us therefore send out a clear message from this UNGA Session: we are determined not to be left behind. By coming together, sharing experiences, pooling resources, and strengthening our resolve, we can change the world for the better.” He highlighted India’s experiences as potential solutions to global challenges, focusing on digital public infrastructure, employment opportunities, and social stability.
“Such leapfrogging possibilities, coupled with people-centric policies and visionary leadership, can be real game changers. When India lands on the Moon, rolls out its own 5G stack, dispatches vaccines worldwide, embraces fintech, or houses so many Global Capability Centres, there is a message here. Our quest for a ‘Viksit Bharat’ or developed India will understandably be followed closely.”