India’s External Affairs Minister, S. Jaishankar, used his address at the 80th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) to launch a sharp attack on Pakistan, describing it as the “epicentre of global terrorism.” He highlighted the recent Pahalgam attack, in which 26 people lost their lives, and underlined India’s right to defend its citizens against cross-border terrorism.
India’s Stand on Terrorism
Jaishankar told the Assembly that India has been living under the shadow of terrorism for decades. According to him, many major terror attacks around the world have had links to Pakistan, and even the UN’s own list of sanctioned terrorists is filled with its nationals.
“Countering terrorism is a particular priority because it thrives on bigotry, violence, intolerance, and fear,” he said. “For decades, India has dealt with this challenge, having a neighbour that openly sponsors terror. Major international attacks keep tracing back to the same place.”
The Pahalgam Attack and India’s Response
Referring to the deadly attack on tourists in Jammu and Kashmir’s Pahalgam in April, Jaishankar said India responded firmly under Operation Sindoor. “We exercised our right to defend our people and brought the organisers and perpetrators to justice,” he noted, adding that terrorism is not just India’s problem but a shared global threat.
Call for Global Action
The minister urged the international community to act tougher against countries that give safe havens to extremists. “When terrorism is treated as state policy, when terror hubs function on an industrial scale, and when terrorists are celebrated publicly, such actions must be condemned without hesitation,” he said.
He also stressed that cutting off terror financing and sanctioning key operatives are crucial steps. “If nations look the other way when a state sponsors terror, they should know it will eventually come back to hurt them,” he warned.
Trade Frictions With the US
Jaishankar’s remarks were not limited to security. He also touched on global trade challenges, pointing to tariff wars and over-dependence on a few markets. His comments come amid tensions with Washington after U.S. President Donald Trump’s decision to impose heavy tariffs — 50% on Indian and Brazilian imports and 30% on most goods from South Africa.
He explained that unfair trade practices and sudden tariff hikes have created uncertainty for many economies, saying, “De-risking has become a compulsion, whether from limited sources of supply or from reliance on one market.”
Strong Words, Familiar Message
Jaishankar’s speech continued India’s long-standing stance on cross-border terrorism and its criticism of Pakistan. But the sharp phrasing — calling Pakistan the “epicentre of global terrorism” — ensured his words would resonate beyond the UN hall.
