Overview
External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar delivered India’s National Statement at the UNGA on 27 September 2026. He asserted India’s right to defend itself against terrorism, criticised Pakistan’s accusations, and highlighted the adverse impact of wars on the Global South.
Key Developments
- India will exercise its right to defend against terrorism and hold state‑sponsored actors accountable.
- Jaishankar rejected Pakistan’s claim that India is “weaponising water” and defended the continued relevance of the Indus Waters Treaty.
- He warned that global conflicts are penalising countries far from the frontlines, affecting the Four Fs.
- India joined Liberia and 23 other nations to condemn attacks on seafarers, noting 18 Indian casualties.
- Regarding the Gaza war, India reiterated support for a two‑state solution and continued humanitarian aid to Palestinians.
- Jaishankar called for a shift towards a multipolar world and reform of the UN Security Council to make it more representative.
Important Facts
The speech was a direct reply to Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s remarks that criticised India for Operation Sindoor and accused New Delhi of “weaponising water”. Jaishankar emphasized that “friendship and goodwill cannot co‑exist with terrorism”.
He highlighted that 18 Indian seafarers have been killed in attacks linked to the Ukraine and West‑Asia conflicts, underscoring the human cost for nations far from the battle zones.
Exam Relevance
Understanding India’s stance at the UNGA is crucial for GS‑2 (International Relations) and GS‑3 (Economy) topics such as:
- India’s policy on counter‑terrorism and its legal right to self‑defence.
- Implications of the Indus Waters Treaty in Indo‑Pak water diplomacy.
- Impact of global wars on the Four Fs and India’s food‑security strategy.
- Debates on reforming the UN Security Council and the move towards a multipolar world.
Way Forward
For aspirants, it is important to track how India balances its anti‑terror stance with diplomatic engagement, especially with Pakistan. Monitoring the outcomes of the coalition against attacks on seafarers will illustrate India’s role in maritime security. Finally, the push for multipolarity and UNSC reform will shape future debates on global governance, a recurring theme in UPSC mains.