ADVERTISEMENTs
India says Pakistan ‘pleaded’ for ceasefire during Operation Sindoor
First Secretary at India’s Permanent Mission to the UN, Petal Gahlot, dismissed Sharif’s claim of downing seven Indian jets during May’s clashes as “absurd theatrics.”
-
1749497506.png)
Malvika Choudhary - Sat, 27, Sep 2025
- 16:43 EDT
- 23
Petal Gahlot, first secretary of the Permanent Mission of India to the United Nations, New York, delivers her 'Right to Reply' speech on September 26, 2025. / Photo: Video screengrab.
India on Sept. 26 launched a sharp rebuttal to Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s remarks at the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), accusing Islamabad of glorifying terrorism and distorting facts about the recent conflict between the two countries.
Exercising the Right of Reply, First Secretary at India’s Permanent Mission to the UN, Petal Gahlot, dismissed Sharif’s claim of downing seven Indian jets during May’s clashes as “absurd theatrics.”
Also Read: Pakistani PM appeals for India talks, hails Trump role
She said Pakistan’s military, after threatening further strikes until May 9, had “pleaded” with India the very next day for an end to hostilities following extensive damage to its airbases.
“On May 10, its military pleaded with us directly for a cessation to the fighting,” Gahlot told the General Assembly. She added that images of destroyed runways and burnt-out hangars at multiple bases were in the public domain. “If destroyed runways and burnt-out hangars look like victory, as the prime minister claimed, Pakistan is welcome to enjoy it.”
Highlighting Islamabad’s actions at the UN Security Council in April, where it blocked efforts to hold The Resistance Front accountable for the killing of tourists in Jammu and Kashmir, Gahlot also recalled Pakistan’s sheltering of al-Qaeda chief Osama bin Laden and recent acknowledgments by its ministers of running terror camps.
“A picture speaks a thousand words and we saw many pictures of terrorists slain in Bahawalpur and Muridke terror complexes by Indian forces during Operation Sindoor,” she said, questioning Pakistan’s “proclivities” when its officials publicly glorify such individuals.
India reiterated that all issues between the two countries must be addressed bilaterally, leaving “no room for any third party” to intervene. Gahlot said New Delhi would continue to hold “both terrorists and their sponsors” accountable and would “never bow to nuclear blackmail.”
Responding to Sharif’s assertion that Pakistan sought peace, Gahlot said the “pathway was clear”: Islamabad must shut down terror infrastructure and hand over individuals wanted in India. She called it “ironic” that a country “steeped in hate, bigotry and intolerance” was attempting to lecture the UN on matters of faith.
The Pakistani delegation later issued its own response to India’s remarks.
Related
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
E Paper
ADVERTISEMENT
Video
Comments
Start the conversation
Become a member of New India Abroad to start commenting.
Sign Up Now
Already have an account? Login