New Delhi: India on Saturday dismissed Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s claims at the United Nations General Assembly, calling them “absurd theatrics” and accusing him of glorifying terrorism.
During India’s right of reply, diplomat Petal Gahlot said terrorism remains “central to Pakistan’s foreign policy,” highlighting Islamabad’s protection of terror groups such as The Resistance Front, which was responsible for the deadly Pahalgam attack on April 22. She also recalled Pakistan’s past sheltering of al-Qaeda chief Osama bin Laden, noting the country’s long-standing record of deploying and exporting terrorism.
Sharif had claimed that Pakistan faced “unprovoked aggression” from India earlier this year, referring to Operation Sindoor, and boasted that Pakistan’s armed forces had repelled the attack with “stunning professionalism, bravery, and acumen.” Responding to this, Gahlot said that the images of damaged runways and burnt hangars were available as proof of the damage, sarcastically adding, “If destroyed runways and burnt-out hangars look like victory, as the Prime Minister claimed, Pakistan is welcome to enjoy it.”
Sharif also projected Pakistan as a country committed to peace and dialogue, claiming readiness for a “composite, comprehensive, and result-oriented dialogue with India” and advocating for “proactive rather than provocative leadership” in South Asia. Gahlot countered that if Pakistan were sincere, the path was clear: all terrorist camps must be shut down, and terrorists wanted in India handed over immediately.
Addressing Pakistan’s claim regarding the Indus Waters Treaty, Sharif termed any violation by India as an “act of war” and threatened to defend the water rights of Pakistan’s 240 million people. India reiterated that all issues, including water disputes, will be addressed bilaterally, leaving “no room for any third party.”
Gahlot concluded by emphasizing India’s firm stance on terrorism, stating there would be no distinction between terrorists and their sponsors, who would all be held accountable. She added, “Nor will we allow terrorism to be practised under the cover of nuclear blackmail. India will never bow to such threats. The message to the world is clear: there must be zero tolerance for terrorism.”
