Jaishankar blasts Pakistan, outlines India's 3 principles, bats for UN reforms: 5 takeaways from UNGA speech

S Jaishankar at UNGA

External affairs minister S Jaishankar on Friday delivered a hard-hitting address at the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York, outlining the assertive position of "Bharat" amid global challenges like terrorism, trade and erosion of multilateral systems.

In his speech, Jaishankar ripped into Pakistan without even mentioning its name, highlighed the importance of de-risking amid global trade challenges and pressed for urgent reforms at the UN.

Jaishankar launched a sharp attack on cross-border terrorism, referring to Pakistan as the global epicentre of terrorism without naming it even once.

"India has confronted this challenge (terror) 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. The most recent example of cross-border barbarism was the murder of innocent tourists in Pahalgam in April this year," he said.

He urged deeper international cooperation on terror, stressing: “When nations openly declare terrorism a state policy, when terror hubs operate on an industrial scale ... such actions must be unequivocally condemned.”

He emphasised the need to choke the financing of terrorism even as prominent terrorists are sanctioned. "Relentless pressure must be applied on the entire terrorism ecosystem. Those who condone nations that sponsor terror will find that it comes back to bite them," he said.

The foreign minister also called out the UN’s inability to meet today’s crises as he underlined the urgent need for structural reform.

"Both permanent and non-permanent membership of the Council must be expanded. A reformed Council must be truly representative. India stands ready to assume greater responsibilities," he said, indirectly hinting at New Delhi's push for a permanent seat at UNSC - a demand backed by several Western countries.

He warned that the UN risks losing credibility if it remains “gridlocked” while peace, development, and human rights are under threat.

Highlighting volatility in international trade amid US President Donald Trump's tariff onslaught, Jaishankar said unfair practices and tariff shocks have created instability in the world.

"When it came to trade, non-market practices gamed rules and regimes ... we now see tariff volatility and uncertain market access. As a result, de-risking is a growing compulsion," he said.

Jaishankar also highlighted how the three pillars of Atmanirbharta (self reliance), Atmaraksha (self defence) and Atmavishwas (self confidence) form the backbone of India's approach to the modern world.

"Bharat engages with the contemporary world guided by three key principles. First, Atma Nirbharta or self-reliance, which entails developing our own capabilities, building indigenous strengths and nurturing local talent. Its impact is evident in manufacturing, space programs, pharmaceutical production and digital applications, where 'Make, Innovate and Design in India' also benefits the world. Second, Atma Raksha or self-defence, emphasizes securing oneself. Third, Atmavishwas – self-confidence," he said.

Jaishankar added that India will always uphold its freedom of choice and remain a steadfast voice for the Global South.

On global conflicts, Jaishankar said even nations not directly involved are feeling the repercussions of the ongoing wars in the world.

"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."

During his speech, Jaishankar also underscored India’s global contributions, from peacekeeping to technology. "Our soldiers ensure peacekeeping, our sailors protect maritime shipping, our security counters terrorism, our doctors and teachers facilitate human development the world over… These remain the core of our foreign policy."

He pointed to India’s leadership in responsible AI, announcing: “Inclusion and impact will be the watch words for the Summit that India will host in 2026.”