In a hard-hitting statement, Dr Jaishankar said Pakistan’s GDP can only be measured in terms of “radicalization and its exports in the form of terrorism."
External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar on Saturday said Pakistan’s cross-border terrorism policy will “never succeed” and it can have “no expectation of impunity,” rather actions will “certainly have consequences.”
Speaking at the 79th session of the UNGA, he said, “Pakistan’s cross-border terrorism policy will never succeed. And it can have no expectation of impunity. On the contrary, actions will certainly have consequences. The issue to be resolved between us is now only the vacation of illegally occupied Indian territory by Pakistan. And of course, the abandonment of Pakistan’s longstanding attachment to terrorism.”
Stating that a “dysfunctional nation” coveting the lands of others must be “exposed” and must be “countered,” he said, “Many countries get left behind due to circumstances beyond their control. But some make conscious choices with disastrous consequences. A premier example is our neighbour, Pakistan. Unfortunately, their misdeeds affect others as well, especially the neighbourhood.”
“When this polity instils such fanaticism among its people, its GDP can only be measured in terms of radicalization and its exports in the form of terrorism. Today, we see the ills it sought to visit on others consume its own society. It can’t blame the world; this is only karma,” EAM Dr Jaishankar added.
He said terrorism is antithetical to everything that the world stands for. “All its forms and manifestations must be resolutely opposed. The sanctioning of global terrorists by the United Nations should also not be impeded for political reasons,” the EAM maintained in an oblique reference to India’s northern neighbour which blocks listing Pakistan-based terrorists at the UN.
He said the UN is a testimony to the agreed principles and shared objectives of the world order. “Respect for international law and commitments are among the foremost in that regard. If we are to ensure global security and stability, then it is essential that those who seek to lead, set the right example. Nor can we countenance egregious violations of our basic tenets.”
Speaking about the current world situation and the need for UN reform, he said, “Almost exactly eight decades ago, the first steps towards the formation of the UN were taken near here, at Dumbarton Oaks. Refined thereafter at the Yalta Conference, they were finally approved in San Francisco. The debates of that era centered around how to ensure world peace, a prerequisite for global prosperity. Today, we find both peace and prosperity equally endangered.”
“And that is because trust has eroded and processes have broken down. Countries have extracted more from the international system than they have put into it, enfeebling it in the process. We see that vividly in every challenge and every crisis. Reforming multilateralism is, therefore, an imperative,” the EAM maintained.
“Large parts of the world cannot be left behind when it comes to deciding the key issues of our times. An effective and efficient UN, a more representative UN and a UN fit for purpose in the contemporary era, is essential,” Dr Jaishankar underlined.