At UNGA, Jaishankar says no dilution in India's zero-tolerance stand on terrorism

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar delivered India's national statement at the general debate of the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York on 26 September 2026. He also led India's delegation for the Assembly's high-level week.

Terrorism at the centre

Jaishankar said India would not dilute its zero-tolerance approach to terrorism. He called terrorism a persistent threat to peace and said states that sponsor cross-border terrorism must be held accountable. He also said the financing of terrorism should be exposed and countered. Responding to remarks made by Pakistan at the Assembly, he defended India's position on the Indus Waters Treaty. He argued that understandings between countries are naturally called into question when terrorism continues, and said India would exercise its right to defend itself.

Concerns of the Global South

The minister said developing countries are hit hardest by conflicts they have little power to influence. He described the pressure as a crisis of food, fuel, fertiliser and finance. He also said attacks on commercial shipping were unacceptable, which is a concern for trade routes that India's imports and exports depend on.

Call for UN reform

Jaishankar repeated India's call to reform the UN Security Council so that Asia, Africa and Latin America are better represented. He named India and Brazil as candidates for permanent membership. He also warned against the "weaponisation of everything" and spoke about maritime security and the need for national sovereignty in the governance of artificial intelligence.

Why it matters

• India's UNGA statement sets out its main foreign-policy positions for the year ahead.
• The Indus Waters Treaty remark shows that India's position on the treaty is unchanged.
• The focus on fuel, fertiliser and shipping reflects worries about high energy prices and the conflict in West Asia, both of which affect inflation and trade in India.