New Delhi: India has voiced deep concern at the United Nations over a Pakistani minister’s “open confession” to imparting training and funding terrorists, even as tensions between the two countries continue to mount in the aftermath of the Pahalgam terror attack that claimed the lives of 26 tourists.
In a recent interview, Pakistan Defence Minister Khwaja Asif had revealed that his country has supported terrorism over the decades. Ambassador Yojna Patel, India’s Deputy Permanent Representative to the UN, said the confession was not a surprise and further exposed Pakistan as a “rogue state” actively encouraging global terrorism.
Ambassador Patel pointed out: “The whole world has heard Pakistan’s Defence Minister Khwaja Asif admitting and confessing Pakistan’s history of supporting, training and funding terrorist organisations in a recent television interview. This open confession surprises no one and exposes Pakistan as a rogue state fuelling global terrorism and destabilising the region. The world can no longer turn a blind eye.”
She also hit out at Pakistan for misusing the global forum to “indulge in propaganda and make baseless allegations against India”. She made these comments at the launch of the Victims of Terrorism Association Network (VOTAN), which offers a safe space for victims and survivors of terrorism, while also giving them power to serve as advocates and peacebuilders.
Following the April 22 Pahalgam attack, Asif was asked by a Sky News journalist about Pakistan’s role in supporting terror outfits. “We have been doing this dirty work for the US for the past three decades, including the West and the UK,” he had admitted.
‘Acts of terrorism are criminal and unjustifiable’
Ambassador Patel also expressed her gratitude to the global community for their “strong, unequivocal support and solidarity” after the Pahalgam terror attack. This is a testimony to the international community’s zero tolerance for terrorism, she underlined.
Amb. DPR @PatelYojna delivered India’s statement at the launch of the Victims of Terrorism Association Network. (1/2) @MEAIndia @UN pic.twitter.com/1fd7arhjXy
— India at UN, NY (@IndiaUNNewYork) April 28, 2025
She said: “The Pahalgam terrorist attack represents the largest number of civilian casualties since the horrific 26/11 Mumbai attacks in 2008. Having been a victim of cross-border terrorism for decades, India fully understands the long-lasting impact such acts have on victims, their families and society.”
Ambassador Patel reiterated the UN Security Council’s condemnation of the attack and pointed out that acts of terrorism are criminal and unjustifiable regardless of their motivation. “We reiterate that terrorism in all its forms must be condemned unequivocally,” she emphasised.
