India calls out Pakistan as ‘epicentre of global terrorism’ at UNGA, stresses self-reliance in economy

Jaishankar described the United Nations as being in “a state of crisis.” He said the body was struggling to meet its mandate as peace, development, and human rights came under strain. “Central to the erosion of UN’s credibility has been resistance to reform,” he said, urging expansion of both permanent and non-permanent membership of the Security Council. “The historical injustice done to Africa should be redressed… and India stands ready to assume greater responsibilities.”

Highlighting India’s role as a partner to developing nations, Jaishankar said Bharat had undertaken more than 600 major development projects across 78 countries, ranging from infrastructure to capacity building and livelihoods. “Whether it is finance, food, fertiliser or fuel, we have responded to the urgent requirements of our neighbours,” he added.

India, he said, has also stepped up as a “First Responder” during crises, providing humanitarian assistance and disaster relief in 19 nations last year. “Be it essential medicines or relief supplies, the operations of field hospitals or limb fitment camps, these efforts covered 19 nations,” Jaishankar said, pointing to India’s outreach in Afghanistan and Myanmar during recent earthquakes. He also underscored India’s continued participation in UN Peacekeeping missions across Africa, the Middle East, and beyond.

“To put it clearly: our soldiers ensure peacekeeping, our sailors protect maritime shipping, our security counters terrorism, our doctors and teachers facilitate human development, our industry produces affordable products, our techies promote digitisation and our training facilities are open to the world,” he said.