- Jaishankar addressed UNGA on global terrorism.
- Stressed zero-tolerance for all terrorist activities.
- Implicitly criticised Pakistan as a terror practitioner.
Jaishankar UNGA Speech: External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar addressed the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), on Saturday. There must be no dilution in our zero-tolerance approach towards terrorism, asserted Jaishankar in a veiled attack on Pakistan.
"Yesterday, a serial practitioner of terrorism misrepresented facts before this assembly. Arguments were invoked to normalise terrorism and claim immunity from its consequences. That will not stand. Our right to defend ourselves against terrorism will be exercised. Friendship and goodwill cannot coexist with terrorism, and understandings premised on that will naturally be called into question. It is for the perpetrator of terrorism to mend its ways," he added.
#WATCH | New York: Addressing the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly, EAM Dr. S. Jaishankar says, "Yesterday, a serial practitioner of terrorism misrepresented facts before this assembly. Arguments were invoked to normalize terrorism and claim immunity from its… pic.twitter.com/KlIWxILcp6
— ANI (@ANI) September 26, 2026
A persistent threat to peace has been the scourge of terrorism, he said, adding that this could be state-sponsored, with cross-border purpose, makes it a direct affront to the global order. "Governments indulging in such practices must be held accountable. There must be no dilution in our zero-tolerance approach towards terrorism. Its financial aspects, in particular, should be exposed and should be countered," he added.
Here Are The Key Highlights Of Jaishankar's Speech:
- We are gathered at this General Assembly when the United Nations enters its ninth decade. It was founded to maintain international peace and security and take collective action to that end. Members committed to develop friendly relations and to strengthen universal peace. Yet, even as we meet, conflicts and confrontations remain our primary preoccupation. The inability to maintain peace is not just undermining security but threatening progress and retarding development.
- In a globalized world, the effects of war are felt worldwide. Countries far from conflicts are being penalized for no fault of theirs. Those most impacted often have the least say.
- This assembly must face up to the true state of affairs. This year, we are witnessing a conflict in the Gulf, one that is exacerbating an already difficult situation. We remain deeply concerned over continuing hostilities.
- The targeting of commercial shipping and seafarers, transiting international waterways, is simply unacceptable. India calls upon all parties to exercise restraint, de-escalate tensions, ensure protection of civilians, and uninterrupted flow of energy and commerce. There is an urgent need to address the security of seafarers and the supply of food, grains, and energy.
- The conflict in Ukraine, now in its fifth year, is equally concerning. As Prime Minister Narendra Modi stated, endless war must give way now to an end to war. India supports ongoing initiatives to bring peace.
- India is prepared to do everything possible to ameliorate this situation, especially with regard to food and energy security. Tensions and violence also regrettably continue in West Asia or the Middle East. We strongly believe that a durable and lasting peace requires a two-state solution.
- In the meanwhile, India is contributing to humanitarian assistance and relief efforts for the Palestinian people. Let us recognise that peace is not just the absence of war. If the world is subjected to continuous threats and pressures, then we are really living on the edge of an abyss.
- India has sent medical shipments to conflict zones, epidemic locations, and after natural disasters. As a first responder, we were there early, be it the Nepal flash floods or the Venezuela earthquake.
- Climate action projects and initiatives have been an important part of these endeavours. Whether it is clean energy and clean water projects, sustainable agriculture, or the dissemination of best practices and technology, our capabilities and experiences have been reflected abroad.
- The predicament of the Global South is particularly acute. It faces a 4F crisis concerning the security of food, fuel, fertilizer, and finance—the combined impact of a super El Niño compounding fertilizer shortages and now impediments to grain movements. All these are a cause for alarm. Moreover, SDG progress is under increasing pressure.
- The march of technology that was meant to instill hope has now become a source of anxiety. The misuse of AI is sharpening bias and diluting mutual respect.
- After eight decades of the UN, this should have become second nature. Instead, what we are actually seeing is a weaponization of everything. A mindset of extreme competition has set in, undermining institutions and establishing choke points.
- India has much more than that to offer. Our digital public infrastructure is not only ensuring better governance, but is the backbone of delivering socio-economic benefits. Rapid growth of infrastructure is visible across all its dimensions. 600 major Indian development projects in 78 nations testify to our commitment—a commitment that ranges from infrastructure and manufacturing to agriculture.
(With ANI Inputs)
You May Also Like To Watch