In a very direct and unyielding statement at the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), Petal Gahlot, First Secretary to India’s Permanent Mission to the United Nations, delivered a significant rebuke to the Pakistan PM Shehbaz Sharif on his recent comments against India. Speaking on the right of reply of India, she emphasised the fact that Pakistan could not present itself as a victim while it continues to sponsor terrorism across borders.
India Asserts Its Right to Defend
Petal Gahlot emphasised that India acted out of its right as a sovereign nation to defend its people against incessant terrorist attacks emanating from Pakistan. She further said that the destruction of multiple Pakistani air bases by Indian military forces was in direct response to a provocation by Pakistan.
“The intervening event was the destruction of Pakistani air bases by Indian military forces. The pictures of that destruction are publicly available. If destroyed runways and burnt hangars are a victory, so the Prime Minister said, Pakistan can enjoy it,” she said.
Pakistan’s Continued Support of Terrorism
Restating India’s old position, Gahlot also reminded the world that Pakistan continues to host and supply terrorist organisations attacking innocent civilians in India. She dismissed attempts to alter the narrative made by Sharif at the UNGA when she said that Pakistan cannot claim innocence when its hands are tied to terrorists, nor is it possible for it to play victim.
The Bigger Message to the World
India’s strong response illustrated not only bilateral tensions but also the global danger of cross-border terrorism. Gahlot, sending the message that India will not allow any attack on its sovereignty or its people, by calling out Pakistan for its actions at the UN, received wide support.
Gahlot’s comments reflected India’s focus of responding with facts to propaganda, displaying military readiness and diplomatic firmness.
