Jaishankar's Fiery Message to Pak, China at UNGA: 'Territorial Integrity Can't be Cherry-picked

New York : Indian External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar sent a strong message to Pakistan and China on terrorism and territorial integrity at the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) on Friday, September 26, 2023.

In his address, Jaishankar said that terrorism is a global threat that can only be defeated through collective action. He also said that those who harbor terrorists and support terrorism must be held accountable.

"No rhetoric, however sanctimonious, can ever cover up blood stains," Jaishankar said, in a veiled reference to Pakistan. "The world has seen the true face of terrorism sponsored by Pakistan. It is time for Pakistan to take credible steps against terrorism and dismantle all terrorist infrastructure in its territory."

Jaishankar also took a swipe at China for blocking the blacklisting of terrorists at the UN Security Council. He said that those who politicize the UNSC 1267 Sanctions regime in order to defend declared terrorists do so at their own peril.

Our Statement at the General Debate of the 78th session of #UNGA. https://t.co/yY3kdVf45p

— Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) September 26, 2023

"Territorial integrity cannot be cherry-picked," Jaishankar said, in an indirect reference to China's claims over Indian territory. "The UN Charter is clear: all states must respect the territorial integrity and sovereignty of other states."

Jaishankar's speech was welcomed by India's allies, but it drew criticism from Pakistan and China. Pakistan's Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto Zardari accused India of hypocrisy, saying that India itself is a sponsor of terrorism. China's Foreign Ministry spokesperson Zhao Lijian said that Jaishankar's remarks were "irresponsible and provocative."

Jaishankar's speech comes at a time when India is facing challenges from both Pakistan and China. Pakistan has been supporting cross-border terrorism in India for decades, while China has been encroaching on Indian territory in the Himalayas.

India has been calling on the international community to take action against terrorism and to uphold the principles of territorial integrity and sovereignty. Jaishankar's speech at the UNGA was a reiteration of India's stance on these issues.

Experts react to Jaishankar's speech:

• Harsh V. Pant, Vice President, Studies and Foreign Policy at Observer Research Foundation: "Jaishankar's speech was a strong and clear message to Pakistan and China. He made it clear that India will not tolerate their support for terrorism or their attempts to undermine India's territorial integrity."
• Sushant Singh, Senior Fellow at the Centre for Policy Research: "Jaishankar's speech was a timely reminder of the importance of territorial integrity and the need for reforms to the UNSC. It was also a clear message to Pakistan and China that India will not hesitate to stand up for its interests."
• G. Parthasarathy, Former Indian Ambassador to Pakistan and the United Nations: "Jaishankar's speech was a masterful exposition of India's foreign policy priorities. He made it clear that India is a responsible and rising power that will play a constructive role in the world. He also made it clear that India will not be intimidated by Pakistan or China."

Analysis

Jaishankar's speech at the UNGA was significant for a number of reasons. First, it was a strong message to Pakistan and China on terrorism and territorial integrity. Second, it came at a time when India is facing challenges from both these countries. Third, it reflected India's growing confidence and assertiveness on the global stage.

Jaishankar's remarks on terrorism were particularly noteworthy. He made it clear that India will not tolerate terrorism sponsored by Pakistan. He also took a swipe at China for blocking the blacklisting of terrorists at the UN Security Council.

Jaishankar's remarks on territorial integrity were also significant. He made it clear that India will not cede any territory to China. He also sent a message to other countries that India is not a weak country and that it will stand up for its interests.

Jaishankar's speech at the UNGA was a reflection of India's growing confidence and assertiveness on the global stage. India is no longer a country that can be ignored. It is a rising power with a growing voice on the world stage.