Jaishankar Asserts India’s Right to Defend Against Terrorism

India’s External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar used his address to the 81st United Nations General Assembly to assert India’s right to defend itself against terrorism while calling for restraint in conflicts, protection of civilians and a more inclusive international order. Jaishankar said governments involved in state-sponsored, cross-border terrorism should be held accountable. Referring to remarks made at the assembly the previous day, he accused an unnamed country of misrepresenting facts and seeking to normalize terrorism, but did not specify what action India might take. He said India’s right to defend itself would be exercised and that there should be no dilution in its approach to terrorism. The allegations and their underlying basis were not established in the speech accounts. He also condemned attacks on commercial shipping and seafarers in international waterways, calling them unacceptable. Jaishankar urged parties to show restraint, de-escalate tensions and protect civilians, while maintaining the flow of energy and commerce. India and Liberia launched a Group of Friends on Safety and Security of Shipping and Seafarers, according to one account.