Jaishankar warns UN of terrorism, global economic pressure and conflict
India’s External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar used his address to the 81st UN General Assembly to defend India’s right to respond to terrorism, condemn attacks on commercial shipping and support efforts to end the Ukraine war. He also highlighted pressure on developing countries from food, fuel, fertiliser and finance challenges.
India’s External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar used his address to the 81st United Nations General Assembly to warn against terrorism, urge restraint in the Gulf conflict and outline pressures facing developing countries. Without naming Pakistan, Jaishankar accused a “serial practitioner of terrorism” of misrepresenting facts before the Assembly and attempting to normalise terrorism.
He said arguments seeking immunity from its consequences would not be accepted. Jaishankar called for states involved in cross-border terrorism to be held accountable and for the financial networks supporting such activity to be exposed and countered. He said India would exercise its right to defend itself and would not dilute its zero-tolerance approach.
Addressing the Gulf conflict, the minister described attacks on commercial ships and seafarers in international waters as unacceptable. He called for restraint and de-escalation, protection for civilians and seafarers, and uninterrupted movement of energy and food supplies. On Ukraine, Jaishankar said the war remained a concern and backed efforts to end it.
Referring to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s position, he said endless war should give way to an end to war. He also reiterated India’s support for a two-state solution in West Asia and said India was providing humanitarian assistance to Palestinians. Jaishankar warned that intense competition was causing the “weaponisation of everything”, including finance, resources, connectivity, technology and market access.
He said supply chains were being disrupted and countries were reducing risks by diversifying sources, while trust and goodwill were weakening. He described a “4F crisis” for the Global South involving food, fuel, fertiliser and finance. He cited climate pressure, fertiliser shortages and barriers to grain movement, saying progress towards the Sustainable Development Goals was slowing.
He also highlighted India’s development work, including 600 major projects in 78 countries.
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