“2025 UNGA : India’s Voice of Strength, Security, and Regional Peace
The 2025 United Nations General Assembly witnessed a significant and hard-hitting exchange between India and Pakistan, reflecting the tense and complex relations between the two neighbors . Both countries addressed the Assembly with contrasting narratives, but India’s stance remained firm on terrorism, sovereignty, and regional peace.
India’s Firm Stand Against Terrorism
India’s External Affairs Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar delivered a strong and articulate speech at the 80th session of the UN General Assembly. He underscored India’s commitment to combating terrorism that originates from Pakistani soil, leaving no doubt about its reference. Jaishankar highlighted that terrorism has long been a major challenge for India and the international community, pointing out that “terror hubs operate on an industrial scale” and terrorists are often glorified publicly in the region. He called for choking terror financing and emphasized a zero-tolerance policy towards terrorism while asserting India’s right to protect its people and secure its borders.
Jaishankar cited the horrific Pahalgam terror attack in April 2025, where 26 innocent civilians were killed. He stated that India had exercised its right to defend its people and ensure justice through “Operation Sindoor,” a targeted missile strike campaign launched against terrorist infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-administered Kashmir. This operation, according to India, was a responsible military response to cross-border terrorism, focusing strictly on terror camps and training centers, with no intent to harm civilians.
In addition to addressing terrorism, Jaishankar portrayed India as a responsible global player contributing positively to peace and development. He mentioned India’s contributions to peacekeeping missions, disaster relief in Afghanistan and Myanmar, maritime security, and technological innovations. He framed India as a country advancing on principles of self-reliance, security, and self-confidence, representing the voice of the Global South.
Strong Rebuttal to Pakistan’s Accusations
Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, speaking earlier in the Assembly, portrayed Pakistan as a victim of “unprovoked aggression” by India. Sharif claimed that Pakistan’s armed forces had repelled Indian attacks and called for dialogue on outstanding issues, including Kashmir and water disputes. He accused India of violating the Indus Water Treaty, labeling it an act of war, and reiterated support for Kashmiris’ right to self-determination through a UN-supervised plebiscite.
India responded sharply through its diplomat Petal Gahlot, who dismissed Pakistan’s allegations as theatrical and false. Gahlot emphasized Pakistan’s long history of supporting and exporting terrorism and highlighted Pakistan’s record of shielding terror groups on the international stage. India pointed to the Pahalgam attack as clear evidence of Pakistan-backed terrorism that India had to confront militarily through Operation Sindoor, and reiterated that there would be no distinction between terrorists and their sponsors.
The Military and Diplomatic Context
The backdrop to these heavy diplomatic exchanges was the 2025 military conflict triggered by the Pahalgam terror attack. India launched missile strikes targeting terrorist camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-administered Kashmir, emphasizing that these were strictly against terror infrastructure, not civilian or military targets. Pakistan retaliated with mortar attacks on Jammu and drone and missile strikes on Indian airbases, escalating tensions before a ceasefire was brokered through US mediation in May 2025. This conflict contextualizes the heightened rhetoric at the UNGA, with India defending its right to counter terrorism decisively while Pakistan sought to present itself as the victim and offered dialogue.
India’s Global Vision and Regional Goals
In his address, Jaishankar also outlined India’s vision for a multipolar world where India maintains strategic autonomy while contributing to global stability, development, and peace. He called for reform and expansion of the United Nations Security Council to better reflect today’s realities. Jaishankar also voiced India’s opposition to protectionist trade practices and urged nations to “de-risk” amid global tariff volatility. India’s message was clear: it seeks a peaceful neighborhood but will act decisively to safeguard its sovereignty and security.
India’s Message at UNGA 2025
The 2025 UN General Assembly showcased India’s position as resolute, rational, and committed to peace through security and dialogue on its terms. India condemned Pakistan’s state-supported terrorism and emphasized the international community’s need to recognize and act against terrorist networks operating from Pakistan. While India remains open to dialogue, it prioritizes counter-terrorism and protecting its territorial integrity, demanding accountability from Pakistan.
In the face of Pakistan’s narrative of victimhood and calls for plebiscites, India’s message was unmistakable: terrorism must end; peace can only come through comprehensive, violence-free dialogue. India will continue to defend its people and constitutional sovereignty with resolve. This reflects India’s broader foreign policy of peace through strength and responsible global engagement, positioning it as a mature and assertive player on the world stage.
This UNGA session thus reflected ongoing challenges in India-Pakistan relations and India’s unwavering commitment to fighting terrorism and promoting regional stability and cooperation on its terms.