TL;DR: India’s External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar condemned Pakistan at the UN General Assembly, calling it the “epicentre of global terrorism” and highlighting its role in cross-border attacks, including the recent Pahalgam terror attack. His remarks received widespread applause, marking a diplomatic blow to Pakistan.
What Happened
- India’s External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar addressed the 80th UN General Assembly on September 27, 2025.
- He referred to Pakistan as “that one country” and “epicentre of global terrorism”, stating:
- He cited the Pahalgam terror attack in April 2025, where over two dozen tourists were killed, calling it “cross-border barbarism.”
- Jaishankar said: “India exercised its right to defend its people and brought its perpetrators to justice”, referencing Operation Sindoor.
“For decades now, major international terrorist attacks are traced back to that one country. UN's designated lists of terrorists are replete with its nationals.”
Key Quotes and Messages
- “Terror hubs operate on industrial scale, terrorists are publicly glorified, financing of terror must be choked.” - S. Jaishankar
- “We have a neighbour that is an epicentre of terrorism.”
- “Those who condone nations that sponsor terror will find that it comes back to bite them.”
- He began with: “Namaskar from the people of Bharat.” and affirmed that “Bharat will always maintain its freedom of choice & will be voice of Global South.”
Reactions and Context
- The UNGA chamber reportedly applauded Jaishankar’s remarks, interpreted as a strong criticism of Pakistan’s record on terrorism.
- His speech followed a statement by India’s diplomat Petal Gahlot, who countered Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s claims of military “victory” after the Pahalgam incident.
- Gahlot said: “It was Pakistan’s military that pleaded with us directly for a cessation to the fighting.”