India’s External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar made waves at the United Nations General Assembly on Saturday with a speech full of clever symbolism and sharp diplomacy. Speaking from the podium in New York, he greeted the world with a warm “Namaskar from the people of Bharat,” setting a distinctly Indian tone right from the start.
Jaishankar mentioned “Bharat”—India’s ancient name—seven times throughout his address, blending it with “India” for balance. He tied it closely to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, saying things like “Bharat, under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi,” and crediting Modi’s vision for the country’s big changes over the last decade. This push for “Bharat” highlights India’s growing confidence on the global stage, a theme that’s caught attention in discussions about India’s UN speech.
Dressed in a sharp gray bandhgala with a black neckline, Jaishankar sported a saffron kerchief in his pocket—a nod to India’s cultural roots and the BJP party’s colors. He outlined India’s worldview through three core ideas: Atmanirbharta for self-reliance, Atmaraksha for self-security, and Atmavishwas for self-confidence. These concepts underscore India’s push for independence in a tricky global landscape.
But what Jaishankar didn’t say spoke volumes too. He took a dig at Pakistan without naming it, calling out “a neighbor that is the epicenter of global terrorism.” Pakistan jumped right in with a fiery “right of reply,” essentially confirming it was the target. India’s team seized the moment, with Second Secretary Rentala Srinivas quipping that the unnamed neighbor had admitted to its “long-standing practice of cross-border terrorism.” He even dubbed it “Terroristan,” forcing Pakistan to respond again and protest the term as a distortion. India simply walked out, leaving Pakistan on the defensive in this UN Pakistan terrorism exchange.
Jaishankar kept things diplomatic elsewhere. He criticized tariff swings and limits on H-1B visas—clear shots at U.S. policies under President Donald Trump—but skipped their names to avoid escalating tensions during sensitive trade talks. He pointed out “double standards,” like how some countries face penalties for buying Russian oil while others don’t, a subtle call for fair play in global trade.
China felt the heat too, though unnamed. Jaishankar warned about nations “weaponizing” supply chains and critical minerals, and how they’re shaping connectivity in ways that raise red flags. This ties into bigger worries about China critical minerals control and its Belt and Road projects.
Overall, Jaishankar’s UN address blended pride in India’s progress with pointed reminders of global challenges, keeping the door open for dialogue while standing firm.
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