At the 80th United Nations General Assembly, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar launched a stinging attack on Pakistan, calling it the 'epicentre of global terrorism' and warning that terror hubs now operate on an industrial scale. He urged the world to choke terror financing, sanction perpetrators, and stop glorifying terrorism, stressing that those who condone state sponsors of terror 'will find it comes back to bite them.'
Here are the key quotes from his address:
On UN’s history and changing role
“Forces unleashed by history since the founding of the UN propelled this body forward. As decolonisation advanced, the world began to return to its natural diversity.”
“The membership of the United Nations quadrupled and the organisation’s role and remit grew significantly.”
“In the era of globalisation, its agenda evolved even further. Development goals took centre stage even as climate change emerged as a shared priority. Trade acquired greater prominence while food and health access were recognised as essential to global well-being.”
On terrorism and 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.”
“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 organisers and perpetrators to justice.”
“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.”
“Because terrorism is a shared threat, it is essential that there is much deeper international cooperation.”
“When nations openly declare terrorism a state policy, when terror hubs operate on an industrial scale, when terrorists are publicly glorified, then such actions must be unequivocally condemned.”
“The financing of terrorism must be choked 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.”
On India’s global role
“Turbulent times require that we step forward during moments of crisis. India has been forthcoming in that regard, especially in its immediate vicinity. Whether it is finance, food, fertiliser or fuel, we have responded to the urgent requirements of our neighbours.”
“The people of Afghanistan and those of Myanmar saw India extend its hand during recent earthquakes. Our efforts at ensuring safe commerce, combating piracy and preventing attacks on shipping in the northern Arabian Sea also bear mention.”
“Our soldiers ensure peacekeeping, our sailors protect maritime shipping, our security counters terrorism, our doctors and teachers facilitate human development the world over, our industry produces affordable products, our techies promote digitisation and our training facilities are open to the world. These remain the core of our foreign policy.”
On UNSC reform
“A reformed UN Security Council must be truly representative.”
“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.”
On humanitarian outreach
“The people of Afghanistan, Myanmar saw India extend its hand after the earthquakes.”
On technology and innovation
“India will host the AI summit in 2026.”
“We are developing our own capabilities; make, innovate and design in India.”
On multilateralism
“An objective report card will show 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.”
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