India will exercise its right to defend itself from terrorism, says EAM

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar has reiterated that India will exercise its right to defend itself from terrorism, while describing Pakistan as a serial practitioner of the menace. Addressing the United Nations General Assembly on September 27, Jaishankar called for a zero-tolerance approach to terrorism and warned against any dilution of this stance. He emphasized that state-sponsored terrorism with a cross-border purpose represents a direct challenge to the global order.

Jaishankar's remarks came in response to Pakistan PM Shehbaz Sharif's General Assembly speech, which had raised the Kashmir issue. Without naming Sharif directly, Jaishankar accused him of misrepresenting facts and invoking arguments to normalize terrorism while claiming immunity from its consequences. The minister stressed that friendship and goodwill cannot coexist with terrorism, and that governments indulging in such practices must be held accountable.

Jaishankar called for exposing and countering the financial aspects of terrorism. He underscored that the scourge of terrorism has been a persistent threat to peace and that it is the responsibility of perpetrators to mend their ways. The minister's strong assertion reflects India's firm stance on combating cross-border terrorism while reinforcing its commitment to national security.