• Source:JND
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External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar delivered a fiery address at the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), directly calling out Pakistan as the “epicentre of global terrorism.” His remarks drew sustained applause from the packed UN hall, marking a rare moment of consensus on the urgent need to confront terrorism. 

In one of the most hard-hitting speeches by an Indian minister at the UN in recent years, Jaishankar accused Pakistan of institutionalising terrorism as part of its state policy. He noted that India has battled cross-border terrorism since its independence, with many of the world’s major terror incidents linked back to Pakistan.

“India has confronted this challenge since its independence, having a neighbour that is an epicentre of global terrorism. 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,” Jaishankar said, sparking loud applause from the delegates.

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Pahalgam Attack Highlighted

The minister cited the April 2025 terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, where 26 civilians, mostly Hindu pilgrims, were brutally killed. Jaishankar described it as the “most recent example of cross-border barbarism.” He stressed that India acted decisively, both to defend its citizens and to ensure justice for the victims by bringing the perpetrators to account.

“While asserting our rights, we must also firmly face up to threats. Countering terrorism is a particular priority because it synthesises bigotry, violence, intolerance and fear,” he said, underscoring the human cost of state-sponsored extremism.

Call For Global Action

Jaishankar further warned that the international community cannot turn a blind eye when terrorism is glorified and terror hubs operate “on an industrial scale.” He emphasised that when nations mainstream terrorism into statecraft, it poses a global threat that must be collectively confronted.

“When nations openly declare terrorism as state policy, when terror hubs operate on an industrial scale, when terrorists are publicly glorified, then such actions must be unequivocally condemned,” he said.

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The minister called for relentless international pressure to dismantle terror networks, particularly by choking financing and denying safe havens. He urged the UN to step up cooperation among member states to combat extremist threats more effectively. 

Reaffirming India’s long-standing position, Jaishankar reiterated that New Delhi maintains “zero tolerance” toward terrorism. He insisted that both terrorists and their state sponsors must be held accountable under international law.