New York: On Friday, 25 September 2026, External Affairs Minister Dr S. Jaishankar delivered a scathing response to a Pakistani reporter during a press briefing at the United Nations headquarters in New York. Speaking alongside Liberia's Foreign Minister Sara Beysolow Nyanti on the sidelines of the 81st UN General Assembly (UNGA) session, Jaishankar was addressing media representatives regarding the launch of the Group of Friends on Safety and Security of Shipping and Seafarers. The event had been designated as a remarks-only briefing before a Pakistani journalist interrupted proceedings, asking: "When will your government stop sponsoring terrorism in Pakistan?" Jaishankar immediately shut down the interruption, replying firmly: "A terrorist country is asking me that question. Come on."

Formal Intervention and Contextual Tensions

Following the brief confrontation, India's Permanent Representative to the UN, Harish Parvathaneni, stepped in to reinforce the minister's stance. Parvathaneni addressed the journalist directly, stating: "You have heard your reply. You have heard your response, loud and clear." The exchange occurred a day after an Indian journalist questioned Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif upon his arrival at the UN building, asking when Islamabad would cease harbouring terrorists. Indian diplomats have consistently highlighted cross-border terrorism on global platforms, maintaining a firm stance against attempts to disrupt multilateral proceedings with hostile questioning.

Focus on Global Maritime Security Initiatives

Prior to the interruption, the joint press event focused on urgent international security concerns surrounding commercial maritime routes. Jaishankar condemned recent attacks on merchant vessels across crucial waterways such as the Red Sea, the Strait of Hormuz, and the Gulf, describing targeted violence against shipping as "legally and morally indefensible." The newly established maritime group, co-founded by India and Liberia, aims to protect global supply chains and safeguard international seafarers. Despite the diplomatic flashpoint, the Indian delegation reaffirmed its commitment to advancing multilateral co-operation on global safety and counter-terrorism measures during the high-level UNGA week.