New Delhi (India) September 27: While speaking at the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar announced that India would take action to counter terrorism if needed. He also pointed out the global consequences of ongoing conflicts impacting the Global South.
Jaishankar On Cross-Border Terrorism
Without naming Pakistan, Jaishankar reiterated India's zero-tolerance towards terror and said that governments that nurture or shelter terror must be held to account.
He said, "Yesterday, a serial practitioner of terrorism misrepresented facts before this assembly. Arguments were invoked to normalise terrorism and claim immunity from its consequences. That will not stand. Our right to defend ourselves against terrorism will be exercised. Friendship and goodwill cannot coexist with terrorism, and understandings premised on that will naturally be called into question. It is for the perpetrator of terrorism to mend its ways.
India has said that the threat of cross-border terrorism is inseparable from its bilateral relationships and has also said that nations that give financial help, shelter and sanctuary to terror groups must be punished.
Response To Sharif’s Speech
The comments followed Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif's speech at the UN General Assembly, in which he hailed the Pakistani response to India and declared "victory" in Operation Sindoor in 2025. He also appreciated US President Donald Trump for his 'timely intervention'.
“His timely intervention came at a decisive juncture when two nuclear-armed neighbors stood at the brink of an all-out war. And, who knows, Mr. President, the extent of devastation that could have taken place had President Trump not stepped in at this critical moment with clarity of thought and action. Mr President, we must therefore ensure that South Asia never reaches that precipice ever again,” Sharif said.
India Backs Two-State Solution
On West Asia, Jaishankar said India backed a two-state solution and that India was extending assistance and relief to the Palestinian people.
He said, "India is prepared to do everything possible to ameliorate this situation, especially with regard to food and energy security. Tensions and violence also regrettably continue in West Asia or the Middle East. We strongly believe that a durable and lasting peace requires a two-state solution.”
"In the meanwhile, India is contributing to humanitarian assistance and relief efforts for the Palestinian people. Let us recognize that peace is not just the absence of war. If the world is subjected to continuous threats and pressures, then we are really living on the edge of an abyss. All it takes is one more step to push us over. Therefore, it is imperative to strengthen stability, security, and predictability. These are crucial elements of the enabling environment for peace," he added.