Get the full BangkokScoop experience on your smartphone app.

India Reaffirms Zero-Tolerance Policy on Terrorism at UNGA

External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar told the 81st UN General Assembly that India would exercise its right to defend itself against terrorism. Responding to Pakistan’s earlier remarks without naming it directly, he rejected attempts to normalise terrorism and declared that friendship, goodwill and cross-border terrorism cannot coexist.

Read the full story

Read More
India used one of the world’s most prominent diplomatic platforms to press for: - Accountability for governments supporting cross-border terrorism - International zero tolerance toward terrorist activity - Stronger action against terrorist financing - Recognition of every country’s right to defend its citizens - A clear separation between genuine diplomacy and continued terrorism Jaishankar described state-sponsored, cross-border terrorism as a direct challenge to the international order and said governments involved in such practices must be held accountable. India’s Message Referring to Pakistan’s UN address the previous day, Jaishankar said a “serial practitioner of terrorism” had misrepresented facts and attempted to claim immunity from the consequences of terrorism. He asserted that India’s right to self-defence would be exercised and said the responsibility for improving relations rests with the perpetrator changing its conduct. Wider Global Position Jaishankar’s address went beyond India–Pakistan relations. He warned that conflicts increasingly impose economic and security costs on countries that have little influence over them. He also called for the protection of commercial shipping and seafarers, restraint in the Gulf, peaceful resolutions to international conflicts and a stronger global commitment to stability. indianexpress.com Why This Is Positive for India The speech presented India as a country prepared to defend its national security while supporting diplomacy, accountability and international cooperation. It also reinforced India’s position that meaningful engagement with neighbouring countries requires an environment free from terrorism—not merely diplomatic declarations.
India is expected to continue pushing for international action against terrorist financing, cross-border networks and governments accused of supporting terrorism. Future India–Pakistan engagement will remain dependent on security conditions and demonstrable action against terrorist infrastructure. India may also raise these concerns through the UN, the Financial Action Task Force and bilateral discussions with international partners.

September 25, 2026: Pakistan’s prime minister addresses the UN General Assembly and raises India-related issues

September 26: Jaishankar delivers India’s UNGA address in New York

September 27: His zero-tolerance message receives wider international and Indian media coverage

Next: India continues diplomatic efforts against cross-border terrorism and terrorist financing.

Ask BangkokScoop AI

Get answers and explore this story further.

1. CNBC-TV18View Original
2. un.orgView Original
3. indianexpress.comView Original