New York: External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar on Friday sharply responded to a Pakistani journalist who questioned India over alleged sponsorship of terrorism in Pakistan during a media interaction at the United Nations headquarters in New York.
The exchange took place on the sidelines of the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), after Jaishankar and Liberia’s Foreign Minister Sara Beysolow Nyanti addressed the media on the newly launched Group of Friends on Safety and Security of Shipping and Seafarers.
As the interaction concluded, a Pakistani journalist asked Jaishankar: “When will your government stop sponsoring terrorism in Pakistan?”
Jaishankar immediately responded: “A terrorist country is asking me that question. Come on.”
India’s Permanent Representative to the UN, Harish Parvathaneni, then intervened and told the journalist: “You have heard your reply. You have heard your response, loud and clear.”
#BREAKING: India’s External Affairs Minister @DrSJaishankar blasts Pakistan sponsored juvenile theatrics and Khalistani propaganda at the @UN. “A terrorist country is asking me that question.”
Biggest Terror Sponsor country Pakistan exposed at the @UN platform year after year. pic.twitter.com/449UMACYKj
— Aditya Raj Kaul (@AdityaRajKaul) September 25, 2026
Exchange comes amid India-Pakistan tensions over terrorism
The sharp exchange reflects the continuing diplomatic confrontation between New Delhi and Islamabad over terrorism and cross-border militancy. India has repeatedly accused Pakistan of supporting or providing safe havens to terrorist groups operating against India, while Pakistan has rejected such allegations and has, in turn, accused India of supporting militant activity inside Pakistan.
The issue has remained a major point of contention in India-Pakistan relations, particularly following the April 22, 2025, Pahalgam terrorist attack, in which 26 people were killed. India subsequently launched Operation Sindoor, saying the military action targeted terrorist infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir.
The Indian government has continued to call on Pakistan to take what it describes as credible and concrete action against cross-border terrorism. The Ministry of External Affairs reiterated this position earlier this week, saying Pakistan’s statements would be taken seriously only when accompanied by substantive action against terrorism.
Comes a day after questions to Shehbaz Sharif
Friday’s exchange also came a day after an Indian journalist questioned Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif outside the UN headquarters about terrorism.
According to reports, Sharif was asked, “When will you stop harbouring terrorists?” He did not respond to the question. He was also questioned about Pakistan’s handling of Lashkar-e-Taiba founder Hafiz Saeed.
Jaishankar’s latest response was brief and occurred during a press interaction primarily focused on maritime security rather than India-Pakistan relations. The incident nevertheless drew attention because of the direct exchange over terrorism between the Indian foreign minister and the Pakistani journalist.
The incident comes as Jaishankar leads India’s delegation during the high-level week of the 81st UN General Assembly in New York. He is scheduled to address the UN General Assembly on Saturday.
