Jaishankar at UNGA 2026: India Puts Terrorism, Global South and Global Stability in Focus
External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar used his address to the 81st United Nations General Assembly in New York to present India’s position on some of the most pressing international challenges, including terrorism, continuing conflicts, maritime security, economic disruptions, artificial intelligence and reform of global institutions.
His September 26 address came a day after Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif spoke at the UNGA and raised Kashmir and the 2025 India-Pakistan military confrontation. Without naming Pakistan directly, Jaishankar strongly rejected attempts to normalise terrorism and reaffirmed India’s right to defend itself against terrorist threats.
Strong Message Against Terrorism
Terrorism formed one of the strongest themes of Jaishankar’s speech. Referring to the previous day’s speaker, he described him as a “serial practitioner of terrorism” and said that attempts to normalise terrorism or seek immunity from its consequences would not stand.
Jaishankar stressed that India’s right to defend itself against terrorism would be exercised and argued that governments that sponsor terrorism must face accountability. He also emphasised the importance of exposing and countering terrorist financing networks.
The remarks followed Sharif’s UNGA address, in which the Pakistani prime minister discussed Kashmir and the 2025 conflict. India’s response at the UN therefore placed terrorism and national security at the centre of its diplomatic message.
Global Conflicts and the Need for Stability
Jaishankar also addressed conflicts beyond South Asia, particularly the wars in Ukraine and West Asia. He warned that prolonged conflicts have consequences that extend far beyond their immediate geographical areas, affecting energy supplies, food security, trade and the global economy.
On the Gulf conflict, India called for restraint, de-escalation and the protection of civilians. Jaishankar also stressed that international waterways must remain safe for commercial shipping, particularly as attacks on vessels and seafarers have created additional risks for global commerce.
India’s position was also linked to the broader principle that peace and stability are essential for economic development. The speech highlighted the need for greater predictability in international affairs at a time when multiple conflicts are affecting global supply chains.
Maritime Security and Safety of Seafarers
The safety of commercial shipping and seafarers received particular attention in the address. Jaishankar described attacks on commercial vessels and seafarers travelling through international waterways as unacceptable.
For India, maritime security has a direct connection with energy security, international trade and the welfare of Indian seafarers working across global shipping routes. Disruptions to major maritime corridors can increase transportation costs and affect the movement of essential commodities. Jaishankar called for restraint and the uninterrupted movement of energy and commerce, underlining the importance of keeping international waterways open and secure.
The Global South and the “4F” Challenge
Another major part of India’s message concerned the difficulties faced by developing countries. Jaishankar highlighted what he described as the “4F” challenge involving food, fuel, fertilisers and finance.
Geopolitical conflicts, supply-chain disruptions and economic uncertainty can have a particularly significant impact on developing economies. Rising costs of energy, fertilisers and food can place pressure on both households and national development programmes.
Jaishankar called for stronger international guardrails and more resilient supply chains. He also advocated diversification and de-risking so that countries are less vulnerable to disruptions concentrated in particular regions or routes.
India Pushes for Reform of Global Institutions
Reforming multilateral institutions was another important element of India’s UNGA message. Jaishankar argued that international institutions need to reflect the realities of the contemporary world and give greater representation to countries and regions that have historically had a limited role in global decision-making.
India’s call for reform of the UN Security Council has been a longstanding part of its diplomatic position. The issue gained additional attention during the UNGA week when Poland, Hungary, Slovakia and the Czech Republic expressed support for India’s bid for permanent membership of the Security Council.
The development added momentum to India’s broader argument that global governance structures should evolve alongside changes in the world economy and the distribution of political and economic influence.
Artificial Intelligence and National Priorities
Artificial intelligence was another important theme in Jaishankar’s address. India has increasingly emphasised the importance of ensuring that emerging technologies contribute to development rather than widening existing technological divides.
Jaishankar highlighted the ability of countries to shape their own AI ecosystems, including the development and deployment of AI models according to national priorities. The approach places technology within a wider discussion about digital sovereignty, innovation and equitable access to emerging technologies.
For developing countries, access to AI infrastructure, computing capacity, data and technical expertise is increasingly becoming part of the broader development agenda. India’s position seeks to ensure that the benefits of technological transformation are not limited to a small group of advanced economies.
India’s Growing Engagement With the Global South
Jaishankar also highlighted India’s humanitarian and development partnerships with countries across the Global South. India has increasingly sought to position development cooperation, disaster assistance, capacity building and technology sharing as important components of its international engagement.
At the UNGA, this approach was connected to the wider argument that developing countries should have a stronger voice in decisions concerning global finance, technology, trade and security. The emphasis also reflects India’s effort to combine its role as a major economy with its longstanding engagement with developing countries facing economic and humanitarian challenges.
India-Canada Engagement Gains Attention
The UNGA also provided an opportunity for India to strengthen bilateral diplomatic engagement. Jaishankar met Canadian Foreign Minister Anita Anand on the sidelines of the General Assembly, where the two sides discussed the implementation of the Canada-India roadmap covering trade, security, energy, mobility, innovation and defence.
According to the Canadian government, the ministers also discussed negotiations toward a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement and opportunities for cooperation in renewable energy, critical minerals and civil nuclear energy.
The meeting comes as both countries seek to expand economic and strategic engagement. Indian and Canadian officials have indicated that trade and investment will remain important areas of the relationship, alongside energy and critical-mineral cooperation.
A Broader Diplomatic Message
Jaishankar’s UNGA appearance was part of a wider diplomatic engagement by India. Alongside the main General Assembly debate, Indian officials held discussions with counterparts from several countries on bilateral relations, global conflicts, energy security and multilateral cooperation.
The focus on terrorism, maritime security, the Global South, AI and institutional reform reflected the range of issues India is seeking to address through international diplomacy. Rather than treating these issues separately, the speech connected security and economic stability with the need for a more representative and resilient international system.
The MGMM Outlook
The speech placed terrorism, global stability, maritime security, the concerns of the Global South, AI and reform of international institutions at the centre of India’s message at the UNGA. Jaishankar underlined the need for firm action against terrorism, safer international waterways, resilient supply chains and greater representation for developing countries in global decision-making. His engagements on the sidelines, including discussions with Canada, also reflected India’s broader effort to strengthen partnerships in trade, energy, technology and strategic cooperation.
The overall message connected India’s security interests with its wider role in shaping a stable and more representative global order. By highlighting terrorism, the “4F” challenges of food, fuel, fertilisers and finance, maritime security, AI and UN reforms, India presented a broad diplomatic agenda focused on stability, development and stronger international cooperation.
(Sources: Hindustan Times, Indian Express, Times of India)
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