India’s Right of Reply at UNGA
In a significant moment at the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), India exercised its right of reply to counter Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s recent address. The first secretary of India’s Permanent Mission to the UN, Petal Gahlot, delivered a sharp and pointed rebuttal, emphasizing the persistent narrative of terrorism associated with Pakistan’s foreign policy.
Absurd Theatrics and Glorification of Terrorism
Gahlot characterized Sharif’s speech as an instance of “absurd theatrics,” which she suggested was an attempt to distract from the stark realities of Pakistan’s involvement in terrorism. “No degree of drama and no level of lies can conceal the facts,” she asserted, underlining the necessity for the world to acknowledge the truths surrounding Pakistan’s contributions to global terrorism.
Pakistan’s Sanctuary for Terrorists
Gahlot specifically pointed out that during the UN Security Council on April 25, 2025, Pakistan had shielded a terror outfit known as “The Resistance Front,” which is allegedly sponsored by the Pakistani government. This organization was implicated in the tragic massacre of tourists in the Indian Union territory of Jammu and Kashmir. Gahlot’s reference to the UN Security Council highlighted the ongoing threat that terrorism poses to regional stability.
Evidence of Terrorism in Pakistan
India’s response also included references to visual evidence of the consequences of terrorism emanating from Pakistan. Gahlot remarked, “A picture speaks a thousand words,” alluding to images of terrorists neutralized by Indian forces during Operation Sindoor in Bahawalpur and Muridke. She posed a rhetorical question regarding the glorification of terrorists by senior Pakistani officials, suggesting that such actions leave little room for doubt about the Pakistani regime’s intentions.
Clarity on Recent Conflicts
Addressing claims made by Sharif, Gahlot provided a timeline of events leading up to their confrontation. She noted that up until May 9, Pakistan had been issuing threats against India, only to shift its stance the following day when the Pakistani military urgently sought a cessation of hostilities. This response underscores India’s commitment to peace while simultaneously defending its national security against threats.
Pakistan’s Legacy of Duplicity
Gahlot’s statement underscored a deep-seated issue: Pakistan’s historical role in harboring terrorists, most notably Osama bin Laden, who was sheltered in Pakistan for nearly a decade. She highlighted the hypocrisy of Pakistan’s narrative, juxtaposing its claims of fighting terrorism while, in reality, fostering and exporting it.
“A country long steeped in the tradition of deploying and exporting terrorism has no shame in advancing the most ludicrous narratives,” Gahlot stated, capturing the essence of the argument against Pakistan’s foreign policy.
Conclusion: A Call for Global Awareness
India’s powerful rebuttal at the UNGA served not only to defend its stance on terrorism but also to call upon the international community to recognize the realities of Pakistan’s actions. As the dialogue continues, it becomes increasingly clear that India is committed to addressing the threat of terrorism, ensuring its position on the global stage is both strong and vigilant against provocations.
As this story develops, the world watches closely how these charges are met with responses from Pakistan and the wider implications for regional stability and international relations.
