Introduction

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Friday delivered a sharp response to a Pakistani journalist who questioned India over alleged sponsorship of terrorism in Pakistan during a press interaction at the United Nations headquarters in New York.

The journalist asked Jaishankar when the Indian government would “stop sponsoring terrorism in Pakistan”. Jaishankar replied, “A terrorist country is asking me that question. Come on.” The exchange took place on the sidelines of the 81st United Nations General Assembly.

Jaishankar's Response at UN Headquarters

The exchange occurred after Jaishankar and Liberia’s Foreign Minister Sara Beysolow Nyanti addressed reporters about the newly launched Group of Friends on Safety and Security of Shipping and Seafarers.

As the press interaction was concluding, a Pakistani journalist raised the terrorism-related question directed at Jaishankar.

Responding briefly, the Indian external affairs minister said, “A terrorist country is asking me that question. Come on.”

India’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Harish Parvathaneni, then told the journalist that he had heard Jaishankar’s response, adding that the response had been given “loud and clear”.

Exchange Comes Amid India-Pakistan Tensions at UN

The incident followed another confrontation involving a Pakistani leader and an Indian journalist at the UN headquarters.

A day earlier, Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif was asked by an Indian journalist, “When will you stop harbouring terrorists?” Sharif did not respond.

He was later asked when Pakistan would prosecute Lashkar-e-Taiba chief Hafiz Saeed, but again did not answer the question, according to reports.

The two exchanges occurred during the high-level week of the 81st UN General Assembly, where India and Pakistan have continued to present sharply different positions on terrorism and regional security.

India-Liberia Maritime Security Initiative

The Jaishankar exchange was separate from the main subject of the press interaction.

India and Liberia announced the establishment of the Group of Friends on Safety and Security of Shipping and Seafarers, focusing on growing risks to commercial vessels and seafarers.

Jaishankar highlighted concerns over attacks on civilian shipping in areas including the Gulf, Red Sea and Black Sea, describing attacks that disrupt maritime commerce and cost innocent lives as a serious international concern.

The initiative brings together countries with major shipping interests, large ship registries and significant numbers of seafarers, with the stated aim of strengthening international cooperation on maritime safety.

Key Highlights

• S Jaishankar responded to a Pakistani journalist at the UN headquarters in New York.
• The journalist questioned India over alleged sponsorship of terrorism in Pakistan.
• Jaishankar replied, “A terrorist country is asking me that question. Come on.”
• India’s UN envoy Harish Parvathaneni subsequently told the journalist that he had heard the response.
• The exchange took place during the 81st UN General Assembly.
• The press interaction was primarily related to maritime security and the safety of seafarers.
• India and Liberia launched the Group of Friends on Safety and Security of Shipping and Seafarers.
• The incident followed questions from an Indian journalist to Pakistan PM Shehbaz Sharif about terrorism and Hafiz Saeed.

Professional Disclaimer & Third-Party Reference

This article is based on publicly reported information from established third-party news organisations, including The Indian Express, Times of India, India Today, Hindustan Times, PTI and The New Indian Express. Statements attributed to public figures and journalists have been presented as reported by these sources. Readers should refer to official statements and primary UN records for additional context.

Conclusion

S Jaishankar’s brief exchange with the Pakistani journalist at the UN has drawn attention amid continuing India-Pakistan disagreements over terrorism and regional security. The incident occurred alongside India and Liberia’s efforts to promote greater international cooperation on the safety of commercial shipping and seafarers.

For more updates on India’s foreign policy, UN developments and international affairs, stay connected and follow the latest verified news.