In address to the UN General Assembly on September 28, 2024, India’s External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar called out Pakistan for its role in fostering terrorism, arguing that Pakistan is deliberately choosing to isolate itself from the global community through its actions.
His remarks were a direct response to a speech by Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif delivered the previous day, leading to a series of exchanges between the two nations over the course of the weekend.
While discussing the UNGA’s 2024 theme, “Leaving no one behind,” Jaishankar emphasized that while many nations may face challenges beyond their control, others, like Pakistan, make choices that lead to severe repercussions.
He provocatively suggested that Pakistan’s economic indicators reflect its radicalization and contribution to global terrorism, stating, “The harm it tried to inflict on others has come back to affect its own society. It cannot shift the blame; this is a matter of karma.”
The speaker pointed out that significant challenges remain, particularly as many countries are left behind due to factors beyond their control. He declared Pakistan as, “A dysfunctional nation focused on claiming the territories of others will not succeed with its policy of cross-border terrorism.”
Addressing the assembly, he remarked that “dialogue has become increasingly challenging, and reaching agreements is even more difficult,” stressing that this is not what the founders of the United Nations envisioned.
He called for urgent reform in multilateralism and urged the assembly to reflect on how the current situation has developed, asserting that “every transformation must have a starting point, and there is no better place than the very foundation of this organization.”
He warned that members of the United Nations must engage seriously and decisively in this endeavor, emphasizing that if the current trajectory continues, global conditions will deteriorate, potentially leaving many nations behind.
In response to these challenges, India has initiated various targeted efforts to support vulnerable populations, including women, farmers, and youth. These initiatives range from providing access to essential resources like piped water and electricity to financial assistance for agricultural producers.
India has also focused on expanding employment and entrepreneurship opportunities, enhancing digital infrastructure for public services, and hosting three Global South summits to meet urgent needs in 78 countries.
“In these challenging times, it is crucial to instill hope and revive optimism,” he stated, highlighting India’s achievements, including its successful lunar mission, the rollout of its 5G network, global vaccine distribution, advancements in financial technology, and the establishment of numerous Global Capability Centres. He conveyed that these accomplishments send a strong message that India’s ambition for a developed future, or Viksit Bharat, will be closely observed.
“From this session of the UN General Assembly, let us convey a clear message: we are resolute in our commitment not to be sidelined,” he concluded. “By uniting, sharing our experiences, pooling resources, and strengthening our determination, we can effect positive change in the world.”
