EAM S Jaishankar Responds to Pakistani Reporter’s Terrorism Question at UNGA Briefing (Video)

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Friday responded to a Pakistani reporter who raised a question about terrorism during a media briefing on the sidelines of the 81st United Nations General Assembly, saying, “A terrorist country is asking me that question.” The exchange took place during a joint briefing with Liberia’s Foreign Minister Sara Beysolow Nyanti in New York, according to a report.

Exchange During UNGA Briefing

The briefing was focused on the Group of Friends on Safety and Security of Shipping and Seafarers and had been announced as a remarks-only event, according to reports. Towards the end of the briefing, a Pakistani reporter attempted to raise a question concerning terrorism. Jaishankar responded by rejecting the premise of the question and referred to Pakistan as a “terrorist country.” EAM S Jaishankar Calls for Stronger Ties with Latin American, Caribbean States, Says Trade Crosses USD 50 Billion.

EAM S Jaishankar Responds Sharply to Pakistani Journalist at UN

The brief exchange came amid continuing diplomatic tensions between India and Pakistan, with terrorism remaining a recurring issue in their international engagements.

India’s Position on Cross-Border Terrorism

India has repeatedly accused Pakistan of allowing terrorist groups to operate from its territory and has called for what it describes as credible and verifiable action against cross-border terrorism.

New Delhi has also linked its military response following the April 22, 2025, Pahalgam terror attack to its stated right to defend itself. The attack killed 26 people, according to Indian authorities. India subsequently announced Operation Sindoor, saying it targeted terrorist infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir. Development Partnership, Energy Cooperation in Focus During EAM Jaishankar's Meet with Nepal FM at UNGA.

Pakistan has rejected India's allegations and has made its own accusations concerning terrorism and militant activity involving India. The competing claims remain part of the broader dispute between the two countries.

S Jaishankar’s UNGA Engagements

Jaishankar is in New York as part of India's delegation to the 81st UN General Assembly High-Level Week. He has held a series of bilateral and multilateral meetings with foreign leaders and ministers during the visit. He is scheduled to address the UN General Debate on Saturday, September 26.

Earlier during the week, Jaishankar also participated in discussions on multilateralism, international law, regional security and global challenges on the sidelines of the General Assembly.

Wider India-Pakistan Tensions at UN

The exchange came a day after Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif faced questions from journalists at the UN headquarters about terrorism and Lashkar-e-Taiba founder Hafiz Saeed. Sharif did not respond to the questions as he entered and later left the UN premises.

India has continued to raise terrorism-related concerns in its diplomatic engagements, while Pakistan has rejected India's allegations and raised its own concerns about security and regional issues.

The latest exchange between Jaishankar and the Pakistani reporter reflects the continuing diplomatic friction between the two countries as leaders and officials gather in New York for the UN General Assembly.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Sep 25, 2026 10:10 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).