"One Nation Openly Declares Terror as State Policy": Jaishankar Delivers Scathing Rebuke to Pakistan at UN
In a powerful and direct address at the United Nations General Assembly, India's External Affairs Minister, S. Jaishankar, delivered a sharp condemnation of Pakistan, accusing the nation of openly using terrorism as a tool of state policy [4]. Without naming the country directly, Jaishankar’s pointed remarks left no doubt about his target, as he called upon the international community to hold accountable those who sponsor and shelter terrorists. His speech, met with applause from the assembly, signaled India's increasingly assertive stance against cross-border terrorism on the world's most prominent diplomatic stage [2][5].
An Unmistakable Indictment
At the heart of Dr. Jaishankar's address was the grave assertion that while the world grapples with conflicts and climate change, it must not overlook the persistent threat of terrorism. He argued that a singular focus on other global issues should not grant a "free pass" to those who actively promote violence. "When one nation openly declares terror as a state policy, it is not just a threat to its neighbours but a challenge to the entire international community," he stated, a clear reference to Pakistan's long history of supporting various militant groups [4]. Jaishankar emphasized that such state-sponsored terrorism creates a cycle of violence that destabilizes regions and undermines the fundamental principles of the UN Charter.
The "Industrial Scale" of Terror Hubs
Elaborating on the severity of the threat, Jaishankar described how "hubs of terrorism... operate on an industrial scale" in India's neighbourhood [1]. He reminded the global audience that the origins of many major international terrorist attacks, including those on Indian soil like the one in Pahalgam, have been traced back to this single region [1]. This characterization paints a picture not of isolated extremist cells, but of a well-oiled, state-supported machinery dedicated to perpetuating violence. His comments aimed to dismantle any ambiguity about the source of regional instability and underscore the systematic nature of the terror infrastructure operating with impunity.
A Warning Against Double Standards
Dr. Jaishankar also issued a stern warning against the practice of distinguishing between different terrorist groups, a phenomenon often described as creating categories of "good terrorists" and "bad terrorists." He stressed that terrorism in all its forms and manifestations must be condemned and that there can be no justification for any act of terror. This long-standing Indian position is a critique of nations that have historically used proxy militant groups to achieve strategic objectives. Key takeaways from his speech include:
- State-Sponsored Terror: One nation has made terrorism an instrument of its official policy [4].
- Epicenter of Violence: Major terror hubs are functioning on an "industrial scale" [1].
- No Justification: The world must reject any attempts to rationalize or differentiate among terrorists.
- Global Responsibility: The international community has a collective duty to hold sponsors of terror accountable.
A Call for Global Unity
The reception to Jaishankar's speech, which included notable applause from fellow delegates, highlighted the growing international resonance of India's concerns [3][5]. By presenting the issue in stark and uncompromising terms, he sought to galvanize the global community into taking more decisive and unified action. His address was not merely a complaint but a call for upholding international law and ensuring that no nation can use terror as a foreign policy tool without facing severe consequences.
In conclusion, S. Jaishankar's speech at the UNGA was a landmark moment in India's diplomatic campaign against terrorism. By tearing into Pakistan's policies without ambiguity, he framed the issue as a critical threat to global peace and security. The address served as a powerful reminder that the fight against terrorism is far from over and requires unwavering international resolve to confront the states that enable and export it.
