Daijiworld Media Network - United Nations

United Nations, Sep 27: In a strong address to the UN General Assembly, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar described Pakistan as the "epicentre of global terrorism," referencing the killing of tourists in Pahalgam earlier this year as the latest example of cross-border violence. He stated that India exercised its right to defend its citizens and ensured those responsible were brought to justice, underscoring a longstanding challenge India has faced from its western neighbour.

Jaishankar noted that many of the world’s major terrorist attacks have been linked to individuals from Pakistan, a country he said has been a breeding ground for terrorism for decades, with many of its nationals featuring on UN-designated terrorist lists.

Turning to global economic issues, he addressed growing concerns around trade uncertainty and called attention to rising protectionism, market volatility, and over-dependence on limited supply chains. Without naming the United States directly, he criticized unilateral trade practices that have led to unpredictable tariffs and shrinking access to key markets, warning that "de-risking" global trade has become a necessity for many nations.

These remarks followed a BRICS foreign ministers’ meeting hosted by India on the sidelines of the UNGA. The 10-member bloc raised alarms over the increasing use of tariffs and trade barriers, warning they pose a serious risk to global trade stability and threaten to marginalize countries in the Global South. A joint statement from the ministers stressed the need to preserve the multilateral trading system and condemned measures that contravene WTO norms.

Amid tensions with the U.S. over tariffs—25 percent of which target India's Russian oil purchases—bilateral trade negotiations have resumed after earlier disruptions. Jaishankar also met U.S. secretary of State Marco Rubio, with both sides agreeing to deepen cooperation on key issues. Rubio acknowledged India’s growing strategic importance and welcomed the continued dialogue.

Meanwhile, commerce minister Piyush Goyal held talks with U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer, with both reaffirming their commitment to advancing trade discussions.