India calls out Pakistan as ‘epicentre of global terrorism’ at UNGA, stresses self-reliance in economy

At the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), External Affairs Minister S Jaishanka placed counter-terrorism at the heart of India’s address, warning the world against complacency in tackling the global terror threat. He also underlined Bharat’s commitment to building a self-reliant economy through Atmanirbharta, and cautioned that the world must guard against “tariff volatility and uncertain market access” in an era of shifting trade rules and market disruptions.

“Countering terrorism is a particular priority because it synthesizes bigotry, violence, intolerance and fear. India has confronted this challenge since independence, having a neighbour that is an epicentre of global terrorism,” Jaishankar said. 

He noted that “for decades now, major international terrorist attacks are traced back to that one country,” adding that the UN’s lists of designated terrorists “are replete with its nationals.”

Talking about the killing of innocent tourists in Pahalgam in April this year as the latest instance of cross-border terrorism, he said India exercised its right to defend its people and brought the perpetrators to justice. “When nations openly declare terrorism as state policy, when terror hubs operate on an industrial scale, when terrorists are publicly glorified, then such actions must be unequivocally condemned,” he told the Assembly.

He stressed that the international community must choke terror financing, sanction key operatives, and apply “relentless pressure on the entire terrorism eco-system,” cautioning that those who condone terror-sponsoring states would eventually “find that it comes back to bite them.”

Jaishankar said India’s approach to the world rests on three concepts: Atmanirbharta (self-reliance), Atmaraksha (self-protection), and Atmavishwas (self-confidence). 

He added Atmanirbharta—self-reliance—meant “developing our own capabilities, building our own strengths and nurturing our own talent. We see its results already, be it in manufacturing, in space programmes, in pharma production or in digital applications. Make, innovate and design in India also benefit the world.”

“We remain determined to protect our people and secure their interests, at home and abroad. That means zero-tolerance for terrorism, robust defence of our borders, forging partnerships beyond and assisting our community abroad,” he said.

Push for UN Reforms

Jaishankar described the United Nations as being in “a state of crisis.” He said the body was struggling to meet its mandate as peace, development, and human rights came under strain. “Central to the erosion of UN’s credibility has been resistance to reform,” he said, urging expansion of both permanent and non-permanent membership of the Security Council. “The historical injustice done to Africa should be redressed… and India stands ready to assume greater responsibilities.”

Highlighting India’s role as a partner to developing nations, Jaishankar said Bharat had undertaken more than 600 major development projects across 78 countries, ranging from infrastructure to capacity building and livelihoods. “Whether it is finance, food, fertiliser or fuel, we have responded to the urgent requirements of our neighbours,” he added.

India, he said, has also stepped up as a “First Responder” during crises, providing humanitarian assistance and disaster relief in 19 nations last year. “Be it essential medicines or relief supplies, the operations of field hospitals or limb fitment camps, these efforts covered 19 nations,” Jaishankar said, pointing to India’s outreach in Afghanistan and Myanmar during recent earthquakes. He also underscored India’s continued participation in UN Peacekeeping missions across Africa, the Middle East, and beyond.

“To put it clearly: our soldiers ensure peacekeeping, our sailors protect maritime shipping, our security counters terrorism, our doctors and teachers facilitate human development, our industry produces affordable products, our techies promote digitisation and our training facilities are open to the world,” he said.

Climate, digital infrastructure and AI

Turning to global challenges, Jaishankar asserted that climate action remains mired in “recirculated commitments and creative accounting.” He said India’s approach focused on real climate justice and on supporting vulnerable nations.

Domestically, he showcased the transformation underway in India. “Our digital public infrastructure has redefined governance and enabled delivery of public services on an unprecedented scale. Our start-up ecosystem, innovation culture and micro-finance are changing the face of society,” he said, adding that India is committed to sharing these tools with other nations.

He underlined India’s plans to host a global summit on Artificial Intelligence in 2026, stressing that AI would be harnessed “responsibly for human welfare,” with “inclusion and impact” as guiding principles.

Calling India “a voice of the Global South,” he urged the world to pursue “reformed multilateralism” in the ninth decade of the UN. “Islands of prosperity cannot flourish in an ocean of turbulence. A world order requires common purpose, as it does empathy for others. That is where we look to the United Nations,” Jaishankar said.

“Bharat will do its fair share, and more,” he concluded.