• Source:JND
Add as a preferred

External Affairs Minister (EAM) S. Jaishankar, addressing the 80th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) on Saturday, delivered a hard-hitting speech on terrorism, global conflicts, and the United Nations’ effectiveness. He began by questioning the UN’s performance, asking: “We must ask ourselves today, how has the UN lived up to expectations?”

Speaking under the theme “Better Together: 80 Years and More for Peace, Development and Human Rights”, Jaishankar noted the UN’s expanded role since its founding, particularly during decolonisation and globalisation. He highlighted that UN membership quadrupled over decades, with new priorities emerging, including development, climate change, trade, food security, and healthcare access.

Terrorism: Top Priority For 'Bharat'

Jaishankar referred to India as Bharat while emphasising the country’s long-standing fight against terrorism. “While asserting our rights, we must also firmly face up to threats, countering terrorism is a particular priority,” he said. He singled out a neighbouring country as an epicentre of global terrorism and condemned acts of cross-border violence, citing the murder of innocent tourists in Pahalgam in April as a recent example.

The EAM also accused Pakistan of harbouring terror hubs on an industrial scale, glorifying terrorists publicly, and warned that financing of terror must be choked. His remarks drew attention to India’s firm stance against cross-border terrorism and the need for international cooperation to eliminate such threats.

Energy, Food Security, And Tariff Volatility

Referring to the economic consequences of international conflicts, Jaishankar added that energy and food security have been the initial casualties of disruption, specifically since 2022. He also emphasized tariff volatility and uncertain market access, by implication alluding to US tariff policies, and advocated stabilisation of international trade frameworks.

ALSO READ: Russia Signals Readiness For Ukraine Negotiations Amid NATO Tensions, Demands Security Guarantees At UN

Jaishankar's address also emphasized India's leadership in multilateral diplomacy. He highlighted India's outreach to the Global South, BRICS, G4, and Forum for India-Pacific Islands Cooperation (FIPIC), stressing solidarity, development partnerships, and capacity-building efforts. He reaffirmed India's efforts at reform at the United Nations, especially the increase in the size of the Security Council, and underscored the demand for a more effective and responsive multilateral system.

ALSO READ: Netanyahu’s QR Code Sparks Controversy At UN, Says 'Zoom In And See Why We...' | Watch What's In It

Before delivering his speech, Jaishankar conducted a series of important bilateral and multilateral meetings in New York. These included exchanges with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, US Ambassador-designate Sergio Gor, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, and a meeting with European Union Foreign Ministers. Issues of importance spanned from trade, energy, and climate change to the Ukraine conflict and the Middle East situation.

In his speech and interactions, EAM Jaishankar reinforced India's resolve in favor of global peace, economic stability, counter-terrorism, and multilateral reforms, positioning Bharat as a responsible world power with an assertive voice at UNGA80.