A Terrorist Country Is Asking Me That”: Jaishankar Rebukes Pak Journalist at UN

The confrontation occurred following a joint briefing on maritime security between External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar and Liberia’s Foreign Minister during the 81st UN General Assembly. Jahanzaib Ali, a reporter for ARY News, interrupted the briefing with a question on cross-border terrorism, prompting a swift retort from Jaishankar before he exited the room. India’s envoy to the UN subsequently told the journalist that the response had been delivered “loud and clear”. Video of the interaction quickly went viral, drawing praise from Indian and Afghan observers for Jaishankar’s sharp defense amid longstanding diplomatic friction between India and Pakistan. While the brief exchange momentarily detracted from discussions on shipping safety, it underscored ongoing tensions at UNGA.