'Epicentre of terrorism': Jaishankar tears into Pakistan at UNGA, says Pahalgam perpetrators 'brought to justice'

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Saturday, without naming Pakistan, delivered a sharp rebuke to the country, calling it “the epicentre of terrorism.” Stressing that countering terrorism remains a global priority, he said India has faced this threat since Independence, with “major international terrorist attacks traceable to that one country” for decades.

"Countering terrorism is a particular priority because it synthesizes bigotry, violence, tolerance and fear. India has confronted this challenge since Independence, having a neighbour that is the epicentre of terrorism. For decades now, major international terrorist attacks trace back to that one country. UN’s designated list 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," said Jaishankar in his speech at the UN General Assemly.

Referring to the April Pahalgam attack, where 26 innocent tourists were killed, Jaishankar said it exemplified “cross-border barbarism.” He asserted that India has exercised its right to defend its people and “brought organisers and perpetrators to justice,” referring to Operation Sindoor.

Urging deeper international cooperation, he warned that terrorism “synthesizes bigotry, violence, intolerance, and fear” and must be fought collectively.