India Calls Out Pakistan at the UN: A Detailed Analysis

In a significant address at the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar delivered a stern warning to Pakistan, emphasizing that its longstanding policy of cross-border terrorism would have serious consequences. This statement came in response to remarks made by Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, who accused India of escalating tensions in Kashmir and likened the situation to the Palestinian struggle.

Key Highlights from Jaishankar’s Address

1. Rejection of Pakistan’s Terrorism Policy: Jaishankar firmly stated that Pakistan’s strategy of cross-border terrorism would “never succeed” and that it should not expect any form of impunity for its actions. He underscored that the only issues on the table are the vacation of Pakistan-occupied Kashmir and the abandonment of terrorism as a state policy.
2. Karma and Internal Struggles: The minister articulated a broader context, suggesting that Pakistan is now facing the repercussions of its past actions, describing the internal turmoil it experiences as “karma.” He noted that the radicalism fostered within its borders has now begun to consume Pakistani society itself.
3. Critique of Pakistan’s Leadership: Jaishankar criticized the Pakistani leadership for its historical choices, stating that while some nations face difficulties due to external circumstances, others, like Pakistan, make conscious decisions that lead to disastrous outcomes. He highlighted how these choices have led to a state characterized by fanaticism and terrorism.

Response to Shehbaz Sharif’s Claims

Shehbaz Sharif’s speech at the UN had included accusations against India regarding its actions in Jammu and Kashmir, particularly referencing the revocation of Article 370 in 2019. In response, Jaishankar emphasized that Pakistan’s claims were baseless and reiterated India’s position on needing to address only the issues of occupied territory and terrorism.

India’s Right of Reply

Following Jaishankar’s remarks, Bhavika Mangalanandan, India’s First Secretary at the UN, delivered a pointed rebuttal. She described Sharif’s accusations as audacious, given Pakistan’s global reputation for harboring terrorists and engaging in narcotics and transnational crime. Mangalanandan highlighted several terrorist incidents linked to Pakistan, including the 2001 Indian Parliament attack and the 2008 Mumbai attacks, reinforcing India’s stance that there can be “no compact with terrorism”.

Broader Implications

The exchange at the UNGA reflects ongoing tensions between India and Pakistan, particularly concerning Kashmir and terrorism. India’s assertive stance marks a shift from previous diplomatic approaches where responses were often left to junior diplomats. This year’s strong rebuttal indicates a willingness from India’s top leadership to engage directly with Pakistan’s allegations on an international platform.

Conclusion

Jaishankar’s address at the UNGA serves as a clear message to Pakistan regarding its policies on terrorism and territorial disputes. By framing these issues within a broader context of accountability and consequences, India seeks not only to defend its position but also to highlight what it perceives as Pakistan’s failures on both domestic and international fronts. The dialogue at this level underscores the complexities of South Asian geopolitics and sets the stage for future engagements between these two neighboring nations.