EAM S Jaishankar hit out at attempts to politicise the UNSC 1267 Sanctions regime for terrorists

In response to China's objection to the UN's blacklisting of terrorists, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, without naming anyone, conveyed a strong message to China and Pakistan on Friday at the UN General Assembly, warning that those who politicise the UNSC 1267 Sanctions regime in order to shield proclaimed terrorists do so at their own risk.

"The United Nations responds to terrorism by sanctioning its perpetrators. Those who politicize the UNSC 1267 Sanctions regime, sometimes even to the extent of defending proclaimed terrorists, they do so at their own peril. Believe me, they advance neither their own interests nor indeed their reputation," he asserted while speaking at the UNGA on Saturday.

EAM Jaishankar also made a thinly-veiled reference to Pakistan's encouragement of cross-border terrorism, saying, "Having borne the brunt of cross border terrorism for decades, India firmly advocates a ‘zero-tolerance’ approach. In our view, there is no justification for any act of terrorism, regardless of motivation. And no rhetoric, however sanctimonious can ever cover-up blood-stains."

Additionally, he noted that India has consistently supported a collaborative, inclusive, and consultative strategy for conducting international affairs. He also stated that India was of the opinion that reformed multilateralism, multipolarity, rebalancing, and fair globalisation could not be put on hold.

EAM Jaishankar also called for reformed multilateralism, which is centred on UN Security Council changes, because of the widespread recognition that the current architecture is anachronistic and ineffective. "It is also perceived as deeply unfair, denying entire continents and regions a voice in a forum that deliberates their future," he added.

He emphasised that India is willing to assume more responsibility and stated that the country also wants to make sure that the injustice experienced by the Global South is effectively addressed.

"Our call is to allow serious negotiations on such a critical matter to proceed sincerely. They must not be blocked by procedural tactics. Naysayers cannot hold the IGN process hostage in perpetuity," he said.

Additionally, he reiterated Prime Minister Narendra Modi's remarks that this is not a time for war or conflict and emphasised that, instead, it is a moment for cooperation and development.