UNITED NATIONS, April 29: India has issued a scathing condemnation of Pakistan at the United Nations, accusing its neighbour of fuelling global terrorism in the wake of the recent Pahalgam terror attack, which claimed 26 lives, including 25 tourists and one local resident.

Speaking during the launch of the Victims of Terrorism Association Network (VoTAN) in New York, India’s Deputy Permanent Representative to the UN, Ambassador Yojna Patel, highlighted a Pakistani minister’s public admission of support for terrorism. She referred to a recent television interview with Pakistan’s Defence Minister Khwaja Asif, in which he acknowledged Pakistan’s decades-long backing of terrorist activities.

“The whole world has heard Pakistan’s Defence Minister Khwaja Asif admitting and confessing Pakistan’s history of supporting, training, and funding terrorist organisations. 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,” said Ambassador Patel.

The April 22 attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, is now being described as the deadliest assault on civilians since the 2008 Mumbai attacks. Ambassador Patel stressed that India has long been a victim of cross-border terrorism and understands the deep and lasting impact such attacks have on victims, their families, and societies.

In the interview, Khwaja Asif stated, “We have been doing this dirty work for the US for the past three decades, including the West and the UK,” acknowledging Pakistan’s role in aiding terrorism under the guise of foreign alliances.

Ambassador Patel also criticised Pakistan for misusing global forums to spread misinformation and make baseless allegations against India. She thanked the international community for its support following the Pahalgam attack, calling the solidarity a strong sign of the world’s zero tolerance for terrorism.

“This is a testimony to the international community’s zero tolerance for terrorism. We reiterate that terrorism in all its forms must be condemned unequivocally,” she said.

On the newly launched VoTAN initiative, Patel remarked that the network would serve as a vital platform for victims of terrorism to be heard and supported. She added, “India believes that initiatives like VoTAN are essential to strengthening the global response to terrorism, ensuring that victims remain at the centre of our collective efforts.”