Archive · 25 Sep 2026
Jaishankar Rebukes Pakistani Journalist During UN Terrorism Exchange
India’s External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar was asked a difficult question by a Pakistani journalist.
The journalist accused India of supporting terrorism in Pakistan.
Jaishankar rejected the accusation and sharply criticized Pakistan in his response.
The exchange happened at the United Nations in New York.
India’s UN representative said the answer was clear.
Jaishankar and Liberia’s foreign minister had been discussing dangers faced by ships and sailors.
Reports also mentioned attacks involving ships such as MV Cape Dao and El Gaia.
Jaishankar said attacks on commercial shipping and seafarers cannot be justified.
S Jaishankar rejected a Pakistani journalist’s accusation that India sponsors terrorism in Pakistan.
Jaishankar replied, “A terrorist country is asking me that question. Come on.”
The exchange followed a press briefing with Liberia’s Foreign Minister Sara Beysolow Nyanti at United Nations headquarters in New York.
India’s UN representative Harish Parvathaneni told the journalist that Jaishankar’s response was “loud and clear.”
The interaction took place as India and Liberia highlighted attacks on commercial shipping and risks to seafarers, including Indian crews.
- Who
- S Jaishankar, a Pakistani journalist, Harish Parvathaneni, and Liberia’s Foreign Minister Sara Beysolow Nyanti were involved in the press interaction.
- What
- Jaishankar responded sharply to an accusation that India sponsors terrorism in Pakistan, calling Pakistan a terrorist country.
- When
- Friday, during the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly; the related exchange involving Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif occurred on Thursday.
- Where
- At United Nations headquarters in New York.
- Why
- The question was asked during a press interaction on terrorism and a new India-Liberia initiative concerning the safety and security of shipping and seafarers.
Pakistani Accusation
Indian Rebuttal
Terrorism allegations
Pakistani Accusation
The Pakistani journalist accused India’s government of sponsoring terrorism in Pakistan; one report linked the question to allegations involving US-based Sikh separatist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun.
Indian Rebuttal
Jaishankar rejected the accusation and responded by describing Pakistan as a terrorist country.
Use of the UN forum
Pakistani Accusation
The exchange brought competing India-Pakistan terrorism allegations into a press interaction at the United Nations.
Indian Rebuttal
Indian social-media users praised Jaishankar’s response and accused Pakistan of trying to advance its narrative at an international forum.
- Main speaker
- S Jaishankar, India’s External Affairs Minister
- Reported question
- “When will your government stop sponsoring terrorism in Pakistan?”
- Reported response
- “A terrorist country is asking me that question. Come on.”
- Location
- United Nations headquarters, New York
- Maritime initiative
- The Group of Friends on Safety and Security of Shipping and Seafarers
- Countries launching the group
- India and Liberia
- Related maritime incident
- One Indian sailor was reported killed after MV Cape Dao was attacked off Oman; another report described the incident as occurring in the Gulf of Oman.
- Related political exchange
- An Indian journalist asked Shehbaz Sharif when Pakistan would stop harbouring terrorists; reports said he did not respond.
Sources
Jaishankar hits back at Pakistani journalist at UN: ‘A terrorist country is asking me’
'A terrorist country is asking me that question. Come on': Jaishankar to Pakistani journalist at UN
‘A Terrorist Country Is Asking Me That Question’: Jaishankar to Pakistani Journalist
