"A terrorist country is asking me that question," Jaishankar tells Pak scribe
Synopsis
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar gave a strong response to a Pakistani reporter's heckling attempt with a terrorism 'question' in New York, stating, 'A terrorist country is asking me that question.' The incident happened at a UNGA presser.
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Friday responded strongly to a Pakistani reporter who made an attempt at heckling with a terrorism ‘question’ during a press conference. "A terrorist country is asking me that question," Jaishankar said in a firm response to the Pakistani reporter's attempt at heckling him with a terrorism ‘question’.
It was a remarks-only briefing that was announced before the start of the event and the Pakistani reporter abruptly interfered towards the end and sought to heckle with a nonsensical question. Jaishankar was addressing the press Conference along with Sara Beysolow Nyanti, Minister for Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Liberia, on the Group of Friends on Safety and Security of Shipping and Seafarers. The External Affairs Minister is in New York, leading the Indian delegation for the High Level Week at the 81st Session of the United Nations General Assembly. He will address the High Level Session on Saturday. During the visit, EAM has attended various plurilateral and bilateral meetings.
India's Stand Against Terrorism
India has consistently asked Pakistan to take "credible action" against cross-border terrorism. India carried out Operation Sindoor in response to the Pahalgam terror attack, in which 26 civilians were killed. India’s actions to defend itself against terrorism following the Pahalgam terror attack on 22 April 2025 has been recognised by many nations.
The condemnation of the Pahalgam terror attack was also reflected in outcome documents at various multilateral fora, including the UNSC Press Statement in April 2025. The Resistance Front (TRF), a proxy of the Pakistan-based terrorist organization Lashkar-e-Tayyiba (LeT), which was involved in Pahalgam terror attack, was designated as a Foreign Terrorist Organization (FTO) and Specially Designated Global Terrorist (SDGT) by the US Administration on July 18, 2025.
The 36th UNSC 1267 Sanctions Committee Monitoring report in July last year made reference to TRF’s links to the Pahalgam terrorist attack.
Pakistan Under International Scrutiny
India’s efforts over the years have led to the listing of many terrorist entities and individuals who find shelter in Pakistan. India has also consistently highlighted Pakistan’s deficiencies in preventing financial support to terrorists, contributing to sustained international scrutiny of terrorist networks operating from its territory.
Pakistan was placed in FATF Grey list three times with the last one being from June 2018-October 2022. As a result of FATF scrutiny, Pakistan has been forced to take some action against well-known terrorists, including those involved in attacks against the international community in Mumbai on 26/11. (ANI)