India launched a scathing attack against Pakistan at the United Nations, accusing it of openly supporting terrorism, days after the deadly Pahalgam attack that killed 26 tourists in Kashmir. Speaking at the launch of the Victims of Terrorism Association Network (VOTAN) at the UN, Ambassador Yojna Patel, India's Deputy Permanent Representative, flagged Pakistan Defence Minister Khawaja Asif's recent televised confession admitting to decades of funding and supporting terrorist organisations. Patel said the confession "surprised no one" and exposed Pakistan as a "rogue state fuelling global terrorism."
"It is unfortunate that one particular delegation has chosen to misuse and undermine this forum to indulge in propaganda and make baseless allegations against India. The whole world has heard Pakistan's Defence Minister Khwaja Asif admitting and confessing Pakistan's history of supporting, training, and funding terrorist organisations in a recent television interview," Patel said.
Her remarks come at a time of heightened tensions between India and Pakistan. Following the Pahalgam attack on April 22, India blamed Pakistan-based groups for orchestrating the assault, while Pakistan denied involvement and demanded an impartial investigation. Citing Asif's admission, where he described Pakistan’s support for terrorist groups as "dirty work" done for Western powers, Patel urged the international community to acknowledge Islamabad's role in destabilising the region. "The world can no longer turn a blind eye," she said.
Patel further said, "The Pahalgam terrorist attack represents the largest number of civilian casualties since the horrific 26/11 Mumbai attacks in 2008. Having been a victim of cross-border terrorism for decades, India fully understands the long-lasting impact such acts have on victims, their families, and society."
Appreciation for world leaders' support
"India deeply appreciates and values the strong, unequivocal support and solidarity extended by leaders and governments across the world in the wake of the recent terrorist attack at Pahalgam, Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir. This is a testimony to the international community’s zero tolerance for terrorism. We reiterate that terrorism in all its forms must be condemned unequivocally. The establishment of the Victims of Terrorism Association (VoTAN) is a significant step. It will create a structured, safe space for victims to be heard and supported. India believes that initiatives like VoTAN are essential to strengthening the global response to terrorism, ensuring that victims remain at the centre of our collective efforts, " the Ambassador added.
The fallout from the attack has been swift. India has suspended the Indus Waters Treaty, expelled Pakistani diplomats, and shut down the Wagah border crossing. Meanwhile, small-arms exchanges have been reported along the Kashmir border for the fourth consecutive night, prompting calls for restraint from countries like China and appeals for diplomatic resolution from the United States.