Full Breakdown
Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar Urges Dialogue, Condemns Terrorism as Statecraft
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Core Event: Jaishankar’s UN-Day Address
On October 25, 2026, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar addressed the Chinmaya Amrit Mahotsav Global Sammelan in Delhi, marking UN Day. He called for renewed diplomatic engagement, stronger multilateral leadership, and a zero-tolerance stance on terrorism.
Background & Context
- Ongoing conflicts: Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and the Israel-Iran-U.S. confrontation in West Asia continue to disrupt global supply chains and economies.
- Terrorism concerns: Jaishankar highlighted that some states still permit terrorism for political calculations, undermining worldwide peace.
- Global South challenges: He described a “4F crisis” – finance, fuel, food, and fertiliser – affecting developing nations and urged inclusive decision-making in multilateral bodies.
Official Statements & Responses
Jaishankar reiterated India’s position that dialogue and diplomacy are the only viable routes to resolve conflicts. He urged the United Nations to assume a leadership role rather than remain a “spectator” to crises and called for reforms that prevent large parts of the world from being excluded from decision-making.
He warned that political calculations continue to prioritize short-term gains over historical lessons.
Regarding technology, he warned that artificial intelligence must be developed responsibly and inclusively, describing it as “the mother of all change” that should not be left to a few actors.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Despite history holding so many lessons, some still allow political calculations to take precedence,” — S. Jaishankar, external affairs minister
- “Terrorism is another deadly threat to peace. Its usage as an instrument of statecraft is simply unacceptable. It can never be justified. It can never be rationalised. Yet, it continues because not all states really display zero tolerance. Despite history, holding so many lessons, some still allow political calculations to take precedence,” — Mr. Jaishankar, external affairs minister
- “It's not all about Washington understanding or not understanding. If Washington understood it so well, why didn't we act in 2008, when 26/11 happened? And when we did act, we didn't act because Washington understood it; we acted because we understood it,” — Jaishankar. He, the union minister
- “First of all, forget about somebody else getting terrorism right. Get it right yourself. If you don't have the clarity of thought, the conviction to fight back against terrorism, don't think somebody else is going to do that job for you.” — Jaishankar. He, the union minister
Timeline
- October 23 – The Ministry of External Affairs confirmed that Jaishankar discussed terrorism, security issues, and common threats during his official visit to Azerbaijan.
- October 25, 2026 – Jaishankar delivered the UN-Day speech in Delhi, outlining India’s stance on wars, terrorism, and multilateral reform.
What’s Next
Jaishankar indicated that India will continue to engage with partners to promote dialogue, strengthen counter-terrorism cooperation, and push for UN reforms, though no specific future dates were provided in the sources.