India’s UNGA Address Highlights Maritime Threats, Terrorism and Global-South Challenges

On September 26, 2026, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar delivered India’s national statement at the 81st United Nations General Assembly. He linked attacks on vessels—from the Red Sea to the Black Sea—to a broader erosion of maritime safety for Indian seafarers and crews of other nations.

India tells UN attacks on shipping in Gulf are simply unacceptable

Jaishankar framed the Gulf hostilities as part of a cascade of wars that strain global supply chains. He referenced the fifth-year war in Ukraine, the ongoing violence in West Asia, and the “weaponisation of everything” that turns finance, market access, technology and resources into strategic levers.

Jaishankar's UNGA address — ‘Our right to defend ourselves’ to ‘endless war must end’: 7 key takeaways

• At least 15 Indian seafarers have been killed this year in attacks on commercial vessels, according to Indian government figures.

Arguments by ‘serial practitioner of terrorism’ will not stand: Jaishankar slams Pakistan at UNGA

• Other reports cite “over 10” Indian crew members lost, indicating a discrepancy in casualty tallies.

Arguments by ‘serial practitioner of terrorism’ will not stand: Jaishankar slams Pakistan at UNGA

• The Global South’s 4F crisis is intensified by fertiliser shortages, grain-movement impediments and a forecasted “very strong” El Niño through February 2027.

Jaishankar warns of ‘weaponisation of everything’ at UNGA

Jaishankar reaffirmed India’s “zero-tolerance” stance on terrorism, asserting the right to self-defence and demanding accountability for state-sponsored, cross-border terror. While not naming Pakistan, he described it as a “serial practitioner of terrorism” that had misrepresented facts at the previous day’s UN session.

Jaishankar at UN says India will exercise right to defend against terror Serial practitioner of terrorism: S Jaishankar tears into Pakistan at UN ‘Serial practitioner of terrorism’: Jaishankar warns Pakistan at UNGA, says terror ‘will not stand’ Jaishankar's UNGA address — ‘Our right to defend ourselves’ to ‘endless war must end’: 7 key takeaways New Indian ExpressThe Indian Express

• “Yesterday, a serial practitioner of terrorism misrepresented facts before this Assembly. Arguments were invoked to normalise terrorism and claim immunity from its consequences. That will not stand,” — Jaishankar

Jaishankar at UNGA: India will exercise its right to defend itself against terrorism

• “We must ensure that the safety and security of shipping and seafarers is never compromised. Scrupulously observing international law is an integral element of that endeavour,” — Jaishankar

Jaishankar warns of ‘weaponisation of everything’ at UNGA

Sources differ on the exact number of Indian seafarers killed in recent maritime attacks: Indian government data cite 15 deaths, whereas other outlets report “over 10.” No definitive, independently verified casualty list has been released, leaving the precise human cost unclear. Details on the operational mechanisms of the newly announced Group of Friends on Shipping Safety remain undisclosed.

India tells UN attacks on shipping in Gulf are simply unacceptable

The Group of Friends on Safety & Security of Shipping and Seafarers will meet on the sidelines of UN high-level gatherings to coordinate diplomatic pressure against attacks on maritime traffic. India will continue to push reforms of the multilateral system, advocating for a more representative UN Security Council and a “multi-polar” world order. Discussions on AI governance, climate-linked El Niño impacts and the 4F crisis are slated for upcoming UNGA sessions.

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