Jaishankar’s UNGA speech – ‘Our right to defend’ and ‘endless war must end’: 7 key takeaways | Today’s news
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar used his speech at the 81st United Nations General Assembly to outline India’s stance on terrorism, conflicts in the Persian Gulf, Ukraine and West Asia, as well as growing economic competition. He called for restraint in ongoing conflicts, while asserting that terrorism and state-sponsored cross-border violence must be faced with accountability.
Here are the key takeaways from Jaishankar’s speech at the UN General Assembly:
1. “Our right to defend ourselves against terrorism will be exercised”
Jaishankar sent a strong message to Pakistan on terrorism, saying that arguments seeking to normalize terrorism or shield perpetrators from consequences cannot be accepted.
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With Jaishankar, he asserted India’s right to defend itself against terrorism and noted that arguments for normalizing terrorism or protecting its perpetrators would not be accepted.
Jaishankar emphasized that state-sponsored terrorism poses a persistent threat to global peace and must be addressed through accountability to preserve the integrity of the global order.
Jaishankar emphasized the need to target and expose the financial networks that support terrorism as part of India’s zero tolerance approach to terrorist activities.
India maintains that lasting peace in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict can be achieved through a two-state solution and continues to provide humanitarian aid to the Palestinians.
Jaishankar expressed deep concern over the ongoing maritime security conflicts in the Persian Gulf, particularly condemning attacks on commercial shipping and stressing the importance of protecting civilian maritime activities.
“Yesterday, a serial practitioner of terrorism distorted the facts in front of this gathering. Arguments were made to normalize terrorism and gain immunity from its consequences. This will not stand. Our right to defend ourselves against terrorism will be exercised,” he said, without naming Pakistani Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif or his remarks.
He added that India’s approach to terrorism will also affect its relations with countries involved in such activities.
“Friendship and goodwill cannot coexist with terrorism and the understanding based on that will naturally be challenged,” Jaishankar said.
2. India calls for accountability for state-sponsored terrorism
Describing terrorism as a persistent threat to peace, Jaishankar said its impact is particularly severe when it involves state sponsorship and cross-border activities.
“The constant threat to peace has been the scourge of terrorism. That it could be state-sponsored with a cross-border purpose makes it a direct affront to the global order,” he said.
He called for governments involved in such practices to be held accountable.
“Governments that indulge in such practices must be held accountable. Our zero-tolerance approach to terrorism must not be weakened,” he said.
Jaishankar also stressed the importance of targeting financial networks that support terrorism.
3. “Endless War must now give way to the end of war”
On the Russo-Ukraine conflict, Jaishankar said the war remains a major international concern and reiterated India’s support for diplomatic efforts aimed at ending hostilities.
“The conflict in Ukraine, now approaching its fifth year, is equally worrying,” he said.
Jaishankar quoted Prime Minister Narendra Modi as saying, “Endless war must now give way to ending war. India supports ongoing initiatives to bring peace.”
He also emphasized that the consequences of conflicts go far beyond the countries directly involved.
“Countries far from conflict are penalized through no fault of their own. Those most affected often have the least say,” he said.
4. India warns of Gulf conflict and attacks on shipping
Jaishankar expressed concern over the continued hostilities in the Persian Gulf and its wider implications for world trade, energy supplies and maritime security.
“This year we are witnessing a conflict in the Persian Gulf, a conflict that is exacerbating an already difficult situation. We remain deeply concerned by the continued hostilities,” he said.
He specifically condemned attacks targeting commercial shipping and seafarers traveling on international waterways.
“Targeting commercial shipping and seafarers plying international waterways is simply unacceptable,” Jaishankar said.
India called on all parties to exercise restraint, de-escalate tensions, protect civilians and ensure uninterrupted flow of energy and trade.
5. India’s attitude towards West Asia remains a two-state solution
On the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, Jaishankar reiterated India’s position that lasting peace requires a two-state solution.
“Unfortunately, tensions and violence also continue in West Asia or the Middle East. We strongly believe that lasting and lasting peace requires a two-state solution,” he said.
He also highlighted India’s humanitarian assistance to the Palestinians.
“Meanwhile, India is contributing humanitarian aid and assistance to the Palestinian people,” Jaishankar said.
6. “Weaponizing everything” creates global choke points
Jaishankar warned that the international system was increasingly being shaped by what he called an “extreme competition” mindset.
“Instead, what we’re actually seeing is the weaponization of everything,” he said.
He argued that competition undermines institutions and creates choke points across finance, trade, supply chains and technology.
“There is a mindset of extreme competition that undermines institutions and creates tipping points. It ranges from the world of finance to restricting market access, disrupting supply chains and holding back technology,” he said.
He added that resources and connectivity have also become subject to strategic leverage, prompting countries to seek “de-risking and diversification”.
7. “Peace is not just the absence of war”
The central theme of Jaishankar’s speech was that peace requires more than simply ending armed conflict.
“Let us realize that peace is not just the absence of war,” he said.
Jaishankar warned of the cumulative effect of global threats and pressures, saying, “If the world is subjected to constant threats and pressures, then we are truly living on the edge of the abyss. It only takes one more step to move us.”
He called for greater stability, security and predictability, identifying them as key elements of the environment needed for peace. “If any of them are undermined, peace will inevitably be weakened,” he said.
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