Bharat will Always Maintain Its Freedom of Choice: Jaishankar at UNGA

New Delhi/United Nations: Diplomats of India and Pakistan sparred at the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) with India calling Pakistan a “Terroristan” and Pak terming India “a regional bully.” The verbal dual came shortly after the External Affairs Minister Dr S. Jaishankar made a statement at the UNGA General Debate on Saturday, during which the EAM without naming Pakistan termed it as an “epicenter of terrorism”.

In a reference to ongoing disputes with Pakistan, Mr. Jaishankar, while speaking at the UNGA asserted that, for several decades, major international terrorist attacks have been traced back to India’s neighbour. He added that India exercises its right to defend its people against terrorism and bring its perpetrators to justice.

Later, in its Right of Reply, the Pakistani delegate accused India of attempting to “malign Pakistan” with “malicious accusations” about terrorism. The Pakistani delegate claimed that India's allegations were a “deliberate attempt to repeat lies”.

Responding to Pakistan's Right of Reply, India said it was "telling that a neighbour who was not named chose to nevertheless respond and admit their longstanding practice of cross-border terrorism”.

“Pakistan's reputation speaks for itself. Its fingerprints are so visible in terrorism across so many geographies. It is a menace not only to its neighbours but to the entire world,” said Rentala Srinivas, Second Secretary in the Permanent Mission of India to the UN. “No arguments or untruths can ever whitewash the crimes of Terroristan!” Srinivas said, delivering India's Right of Reply.

The Pakistani delegate again took the floor to respond, but Srinivas walked out of the hall while the Pakistani representative was speaking.

In his address, Dr Jaishankar, urged the international community to unequivocally condemn nations that openly declare terrorism as state policy, where terror hubs operate on an industrial scale and terrorists are glorified publicly. He emphasised the need to "choke" the financing of terrorism and sanction prominent terrorists, warning that “relentless pressure must be applied on the entire terrorism eco-system” and that those condoning terror sponsors “will find that it comes back to bite them”.

“While asserting our rights, we must also firmly face up to threats. Countering terrorism is a particular priority because it synthesizes bigotry, violence, intolerance and fear. India has confronted this challenge since 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. The most recent example of cross-border barbarism was the murder of innocent tourists in Pahalgam in April this year. India exercised its right to defend its people against terrorism and brought its organizers and perpetrators to justice,” EAM said.

He further said that since terrorism is a shared threat it is essential that there is much deeper international cooperation. EAM added that the UN is in a state of crisis. “When peace is under threat from conflicts, when development is derailed by lack of resources, when human rights are violated by terrorism, the UN remains gridlocked. As its ability to forge common ground diminishes, belief in multilateralism also recedes,” EAM said.

Speaking at the General Debate of the UNGA, the EAM called for an end to hostilities in Ukraine and Gaza. Adding that even if several countries are not directly involved in conflicts, they do feel the impact.

“Each one of us has the opportunity of contributing to peace and prosperity. In the case of conflicts, especially Ukraine and Gaza, even those not directly involved have felt its impact. Nations who can engage all sides must step-up in the search for solutions. India calls for an end to hostilities and will support any initiative that will help restore peace,” said the EAM. He added energy and food security have been the first casualties of conflict and disruption, especially since 2022 even as better-off societies insulated themselves by having the first call.

Dr Jaishankar also held a series of high-level bilateral meetings on the sidelines of the UNGA including with UN chief Antonio Guterres and UNGA President Annalena Baerbock.