India asserts right to self-defense against terrorism at UN

India's External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar told the UN General Assembly that India will exercise its right to defend itself against terrorism, asserting that friendship cannot coexist with terrorism and condemning state-sponsored cross-border attacks. Jaishankar indirectly criticized Pakistan's Prime Minister for attempting to normalize terrorism, calling such arguments unacceptable. He demanded accountability for governments sponsoring terrorism and stressed a zero-tolerance approach, including exposing its financial aspects. He also condemned attacks on commercial vessels that killed Indian seafarers. Jaishankar called for a two-state solution for lasting peace in West Asia, reaffirming India's humanitarian aid to Palestinians. He noted global turbulence stems from a competitive mindset undermining trust, and advocated for reformed multilateralism in a shifting world order.