NEW DELHI: India has branded Pakistan a “rogue state” at the United Nations, citing Pakistani Defence Minister Khwaja Asif's “open confession” to funding and supporting terrorist groups.
The strong rebuke came just days after the Pahalgam terror attack in Jammu & Kashmir, which claimed 26 lives — the highest civilian toll in a single attack since the 2008 Mumbai attacks.
India’s Deputy Permanent Representative to the UN Yojna Patel, responded firmly. “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,” she said.
“This open confession surprises no one and exposes Pakistan as a rogue state fuelling global terrorism and destabilising the region. The world can no longer turn a blind eye,” Patel added.
In a televised interview with Sky News, Asif openly admitted that Pakistan had long supported militant groups and said: “We have been doing this dirty work for the United States for about three decades and for the West, including Britain.. That was a mistake, and we suffered for that... If we had not joined the war against the Soviet Union and later on the war after 9/11, Pakistan's track record was unimpeachable.”
Speaking at the launch of the Victims of Terrorism Associations Network (VoTAN), Patel described the Pahalgam attack as a grave tragedy. “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.”
She also acknowledged international support in the aftermath of the Pahalgam attack, saying: “India appreciates and values the strong, unequivocal support and solidarity extended by leaders and governments across the world. This is a testimony to the international community’s zero tolerance for terrorism.”
Highlighting the role of the newly launched VoTAN initiative, Patel said, “We reiterate that terrorism in all its forms must be condemned unequivocally. The establishment of the Victims of Terrorism Association 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.”
