UNGA 2025: S. Jaishankar’s Powerful Speech After Petal Gahlot’s Sharp Rebuttal to Sharif
The 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) saw a riveting exchange of words that captured global attention. India’s External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar delivered a forceful speech emphasizing the urgent need for UN reforms, confronting terrorism, and addressing global economic volatility. His address came a day after India’s diplomat Petal Gahlot, who delivered a sharp rebuttal to Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s earlier claims, exposing dangerous falsehoods and regional tensions.
S. Jaishankar’s Bold Call at UNGA: UN Reform and Counterterrorism Front and Centre
In a highly anticipated speech on September 27, 2025, S. Jaishankar did not hold back as he outlined India’s vision for a reformed United Nations that can better reflect and respond to contemporary global challenges.
Jaishankar stressed the importance of expanding the UN Security Council with more permanent and non-permanent seats, underscoring India’s readiness to take on greater responsibility in maintaining international peace.
Branding Pakistan as the “epicentre of global terrorism,” he highlighted Pakistan’s state-sponsored terrorism and directly referenced the horrific Pahalgam terror attack as evidence of its dangerous policies.
Emphasizing terrorism’s root causes of hatred and intolerance, Jaishankar urged international cooperation to choke terrorist financing and impose sanctions on terror sponsors.
He raised concerns about global trade wars and supply chain risks, implicitly referring to tariffs that harm countries like India and called for economic de-risking to ensure stable market access.
Reflecting on the UN’s 80-year journey, Jaishankar posed an uncomfortable question about its effectiveness in addressing conflicts and global crises, advocating for a “more cooperative, reformed international order.”
His speech clearly positioned India as a responsible global actor ready to engage constructively but uncompromising on security and reform.
Petal Gahlot’s Scorching UNGA Rebuttal: Exposing Pakistan’s Terror Politics
Earlier, India’s diplomat Petal Gahlot took the floor with a rebuttal that left many observers impressed by its clarity and firmness.
Gahlot dismissed Pakistan PM Shehbaz Sharif’s speech as “absurd theatrics” designed to glorify terrorism while hiding Pakistan’s dark record as the world’s largest terrorist exporter.
Highlighting Pakistan’s protection of terrorists such as The Resistance Front, Gahlot recalled the Pahalgam massacre and denounced Pakistan’s hypocrisy during UN Security Council discussions.
She reminded the world of Pakistan’s decade-long sheltering of Osama bin Laden under false pretences of fighting terrorism.
Gahlot praised India’s decisive military operations like Operation Sindoor, which destroyed terrorist camps and exposed Pakistan’s support for such groups.
Accusing Pakistan of spreading false narratives, she dismissed their inflated claims of victories and stressed the necessity for Pakistan to close terror camps and hand over terrorists before meaningful dialogue.
She further exposed Pakistan’s contradictions on tolerance and peace, holding a mirror to its domestic political culture rife with hate and intolerance.
Her rebuttal was a well-articulated diplomatic counterstrike, reinforcing India’s message of zero tolerance for terror and falsehoods.
Conclusion: A Defining Moment for India at UNGA 2025
The 2025 UNGA session marked a defining moment for India on the world stage. S. Jaishankar’s call for a reformed, effective United Nations and uncompromising fight against terrorism set the tone for global diplomacy. Petal Gahlot’s unflinching rebuttal to Pakistan’s falsehoods left no doubt about India’s stance against terror and regional destabilisation.
This dynamic exchange not only highlighted India’s evolving diplomatic strength but also challenged the global community to confront uncomfortable truths and work towards sustained peace and security.
