New Delhi: External affairs minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar on September 28 launched an all-out attack on Pakistan over terrorism, saying its “GDP can be measured in terms of radicalisation” and “exports in the form of terrorism”.
During his address at the general debate of the 79th session of the United Nations General Assembly, the minister said, “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. When this polity instils such fanaticism among its people, its GDP can only be measured in terms of radicalisation and its exports in the form of terrorism,” he added.
In a stern message to Pakistan, Jaishankar said that its cross-border terror policy won’t succeed. “And it can have no expectation of impunity. On the contrary, actions will certainly have consequences. The issue to be resolved between us is now only the vacation of illegally occupied Indian territory by Pakistan. And of course the abandonment of Pakistan’s longstanding attachment to terrorism.”
Condemning terrorism, Jaishankar called for all its forms and “manifestations” to be opposed. “Terrorism is antithetical of everything that the world stands for. All its forms and manifestations must be resolutely opposed. The sanctioning of global terrorists by the United Nations should also not be impeded for political reasons,” the minister added.
“If we are to ensure global security and stability, then it is essential that those who seek to lead, set the right example. Nor can we countenance egregious violations of our basic tenets,” Jaishankar added.
