Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif used his address to the 81st UN General Assembly in New York on September 25, 2026, to revisit last year’s conflict with India, thank Donald Trump for his “timely intervention,” and raise the Kashmir issue again, prompting a sharp rebuttal from New Delhi.
What Sharif Said
In his roughly 23-minute address, Sharif thanked Trump for his “resolute and visionary leadership,” claiming his intervention had saved “hundreds of millions of lives” during last year’s four-day conflict following Operation Sindoor. He repeatedly praised Field Marshal Asim Munir, and argued a “just and fair solution” to Kashmir was needed to prevent South Asia from sliding toward another conflict. He also spoke on the Indus Waters Treaty and touted Pakistan’s role in facilitating US-Iran talks. Trump later shared a clip of the speech on Truth Social.
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India’s Sharp Rebuttal
Exercising its Right of Reply, First Secretary Petal Gahlot dismissed Sharif’s claims as “falsehoods” and “deceit,” warning of consequences for continued terrorism. She described Pakistan as a regime “of the army, by the army, and for the army,” citing its 27th Constitutional Amendment granting lifelong immunity to Army Chief Asim Munir.
“We heard some hypocritical homilies about democratic rights and human values from a regime whose capital at this very moment is being fortified against its own people,” Gahlot said.
On Kashmir And Terrorism
Gahlot turned the Kashmir remarks back on Pakistan: “Ask the people of Rawalakot about the wanton killings, the brutal violence and the denial of basic rights.” She warned, “Our right to defend ourselves against terrorism will be exercised. And continued terrorism by Pakistan will have consequences.”
A Viral Moment
The exchange also went viral after Indian diplomat R Srinivas was caught smirking as Sharif spoke, a clip that quickly spread online.
With both nations sticking to starkly different accounts of 2025, India’s reply signals its position on Kashmir and terrorism remains unchanged.
