Exposing Pakistan's double-speak on terror, the Jaishankar Way

It was vintage Jaishankar-speak. Elegantly deconstructing Pakistan’s duplicity and equivocation on terrorism with artfully chosen words that pierce to the heart of the issue.

“Terrorism is antithetical to everything the world stands for,” he declared, asserting that all forms and manifestations of terrorism must be “resolutely opposed.” In a speech laced with bitter sarcasm at Pakistan’s use of terrorism as an instrument of state policy,” External Affairs Minister Jaishankar said in India’s national statement: “Many countries get left behind due to circumstances beyond their control. But some make conscious choices with disastrous consequences.”
“A premier example is our neighbour, Pakistan. Unfortunately, their misdeeds affect others as well, especially the neighbourhood,” he said. “When this polity instils such fanaticism among its people, its GDP can only be measured in terms of radicalization and its exports in the form of terrorism.” “Today, we see the ills it sought to visit on others consume its own society. It can’t blame the world; this is only karma.”

His comments were a direct reference to Pakistan, a frequent target of India’s criticism at the UN for its alleged role in sponsoring cross-border terrorism. Dr. Jaishankar left no room for ambiguity, stating that Pakistan’s “cross-border terrorism policy will never succeed” and that its actions will have consequences.

At the 79th session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), Dr. S. Jaishankar delivered a powerful and reflective address, underscoring not just India’s concerns but also the broader challenges facing the international community. As he stood before world leaders, his speech reverberated with themes of inclusion, reform, and responsibility, particularly highlighting the erosion of trust in global governance and the need for urgent multilateral reforms.

A Challenging Time for All

Dr. Jaishankar’s speech opened with a stark observation of the world’s current reality: a planet struggling with the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic, the ongoing war in Ukraine, and the escalating conflict in Gaza. He addressed these issues head-on, emphasizing the wide-ranging impacts they have had on the Global South. “Across the Global South, development plans have gone off the rails and SDG targets are receding,” he noted, highlighting the growing struggles of developing nations in achieving their Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) amidst political and economic turbulence.

The External Affairs Minister went on to paint a picture of a world that is not only fractured but also polarized, driven by conflicts of interest and self-serving agendas. He described the world as “fractious, polarized and frustrated,” capturing the sentiment of many developing nations whose voices are often drowned out by the more powerful states.

Dr, Jaishankar’s comments on the current state of the international system highlighted a growing divide between the developed and developing worlds. In his view, while the global order was initially designed to foster peace and prosperity, these ideals have been severely compromised by “unfair trade practices” and “unviable projects” that contribute to rising debt levels and heightened geopolitical tensions. His references to connectivity projects that “flout sovereignty and territorial integrity” were likely a veiled criticism of China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), which India has opposed for its impact on the sovereignty of countries, especially in South Asia.

A Call for Multilateral Reform

The central theme of Dr. Jaishankar’s speech was the urgent need for multilateral reform, especially in global institutions such as the United Nations. In a pointed critique of the current global governance structures, he emphasized that the world is “not what the founders of the UN would have wanted of us.” Jaishankar’s reference to the formative years of the UN—specifically the Dumbarton Oaks and Yalta conferences—served as a reminder of the organization’s original mandate to prevent conflict and promote peace and prosperity. Today, he argued, both peace and prosperity are endangered, as trust in these institutions has eroded and their processes have broken down.

“Countries have extracted more from the international system than they have put in it, enfeebling it in the process,” Dr. Jaishankar remarked, stressing that many nations are taking advantage of global systems without contributing meaningfully to their upkeep. This call for accountability was a clear indication of India’s frustration with the status quo, where larger powers dominate the conversation while the concerns of smaller and developing nations are often sidelined.

Dr. Jaishankar firmly believes that “reforming multilateralism is…an imperative” and that this reform is key to addressing the multitude of crises the world faces today. He connected this call for reform to the broader theme of the 79th UNGA-“Leaving no one behind”—asserting that true inclusivity in the global order is impossible without such changes.

Global South: A Priority for India

One of the notable features of Jaishankar’s speech was his focus on the Global South. India, under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government, has made a concerted effort to position itself as a leader of the Global South, using platforms such as the Voice of Global South Summit to amplify the concerns of developing countries. Dr. Jaishankar emphasized India’s commitment to advancing the cause of the vulnerable, particularly through targeted policies for women, farmers, and youth. “Assured access to piped water, electricity, cooking gas and new homes are changing millions of lives,” he highlighted, pointing to India’s domestic achievements as a model that can be replicated in other developing nations.

In addition to highlighting India’s domestic successes, Dr. Jaishankar spoke of the country’s international development efforts. “We have convened three Global South Summits, the most recent in August 2024,” he noted, underscoring India’s ongoing commitment to fostering unity among developing nations. This aligns with India’s broader foreign policy objective of creating a more equitable global order—one where the voices of the Global South are heard and respected.

India’s Contributions to Global Solutions

Dr. Jaishankar was careful to contextualize India’s role not just as a leader of the Global South but also as a responsible global actor. He mentioned India’s contributions to global health security, particularly through the supply of vaccines and medical assistance during the COVID-19 pandemic. “We have supplied medicines and ensured maritime safety and security,” he said, further adding that India has undertaken development projects in 78 nations. These initiatives demonstrate India’s capability to offer tangible solutions to global problems, from healthcare to infrastructure development.

Dr. Jaishankar also underscored India’s technological prowess, citing the country’s advancements in digital infrastructure, space exploration, and fintech. The Minister’s reference to India’s moon landing and the rollout of the country’s 5G stack underscored the transformative power of technology, which he believes can be a “real gamechanger” in bridging global divides and empowering the marginalized. His remarks were also a subtle reminder that India’s development trajectory is one that offers lessons for other nations, particularly those in the Global South.

The Challenges of Globalization

In one of the more critical segments of his speech, Dr. Jaishankar discussed the “unfairness of the current globalization model,” which has led to the concentration of production in a few hands, thus “hollowing out many economies” and affecting employment and social stability. His call for democratizing global production and building resilient supply chains is in line with India’s push for a more equitable economic system. By promoting trusted digital services and an open-source culture, Dr. Jaishankar believes that widespread prosperity can be achieved.

The Quest for Peace and Stability

Dr. Jaishankar’s speech also delved into the need for global peace and security, particularly in conflict zones like Ukraine and Gaza. He called for urgent solutions to these crises, remarking that “the world cannot be fatalistic about the continuation of violence on a large scale.” His plea for the international community to act decisively on these issues reflected India’s broader concern for global stability, especially in regions where conflict has direct implications for global food and energy security.

A Vision for the Future

Dr. Jaishankar’s speech concluded with a vision for a more inclusive, representative, and effective United Nations. He argued that an “anachronistic” UN cannot address the pressing issues of today, and large parts of the world cannot be “left behind” in decision-making processes. His call for a “more representative UN” is a continuation of India’s long-standing demand for reforming the Security Council to reflect the realities of the 21st century.

As the world grapples with conflict, inequality, and climate change, Dr. Jaishankar’s speech was a clarion call for change—one that seeks to ensure that no nation, especially those from the Global South, is left behind in the pursuit of global peace and prosperity. His speech was a powerful reminder that India, with its growing global influence, is not just a participant in international affairs but a leader advocating for a more just and equitable world order.

External Affairs Minister Jaishankar’s address at the UNGA was a poignant reflection of the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead for the global community. By focusing on inclusivity, reform, and responsibility, he offered a vision of a world where peace, prosperity, and dignity are accessible to all. His message was clear: if the global order is to succeed, it must evolve—and India is ready to lead that change.

(Ananya Singh and Kartike Garg contributed inputs for this article)

Author Profile

Manish Chand

Manish Chand is Founder-CEO and Editor-in-Chief of India Writes Network (www.indiawrites.org) and India and World, a pioneering magazine focused on international affairs. He is CEO/Director of TGII Media Private Limited, an India-based media, publishing, research and consultancy company.