Election Commission Denies Rift Over SIR; Political War Continues

Addressing the United Nations General Assembly, India delivered a firm message against state-sponsored cross-border terrorism, asserting that attempts to normalise terror or seek immunity from its consequences will not stand. It affirmed that India will exercise its right to defend against terrorism, stressing that friendship and goodwill cannot coexist with terror. Emphasising a zero-tolerance approach, the address highlighted that governments indulging in terror must be held accountable and terror financing must be exposed and countered. The address also underlined India's domestic development progress advancing one-sixth of humanity.

During an address at the high-level 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York, External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar addressed pressing global concerns, including the conflicts in West Asia and Ukraine, maritime security, cross-border terrorism, and artificial intelligence. Emphasising that durable peace in the Middle East requires a two-state solution, he highlighted India's ongoing humanitarian relief for the Palestinian people. Stressing that endless war must yield to peace, he expressed grave concern over attacks on commercial shipping across waterways from the Red Sea to the Black Sea, which endanger Indian and global seafarers and disrupt food and energy supplies. Calling out state-sponsored terrorism, he asserted that friendship cannot coexist with terror and reiterated India's commitment to defending itself. Furthermore, he outlined India's vision of artificial intelligence as a transformational driver for human empowerment and partnership with the Global South.

At the United Nations General Assembly, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar raised serious concerns over attacks targeting commercial shipping and seafarers across conflict zones, extending from the Red Sea to the Black Sea and the Gulf. Emphasising that the loss of life among Indian and international seafarers is completely unacceptable, it was highlighted that India has partnered with Liberia and 23 other nations to rally global public opinion for maritime security and adherence to international law. The address underscored disruptions to critical sea lanes, international trade, and global energy supplies resulting from conflicts in West Asia and between Russia and Ukraine. Reaffirming India's consistent position on cross-border terrorism, the forum emphasised that state-sponsored terrorism cannot be treated as state policy or foreign diplomacy, stating firmly that goodwill and terror cannot coexist.

Addressing the United Nations General Assembly, India highlighted its inclusive domestic growth, digital public infrastructure, and expanding international development commitments across the Global South. The address outlined that six hundred major Indian projects are currently underway in seventy-eight nations, spanning infrastructure, agriculture, and capacity building. Highlighting contributions to humanitarian response and UN peacekeeping operations, the speech noted Indian troop presence across eleven active mandates. The remarks raised serious concern over maritime attacks on commercial shipping from the Red Sea to the Black Sea and reiterated collective efforts alongside international partners to protect seafarers under international law. In technology, artificial intelligence was framed as a driver for human empowerment and Global South partnerships. Stressing that the post-1945 order is evolving towards a multipolar reality, the address urged reformed multilateralism, civil conversations, and mutual respect among nations.