Pahalgam Terror Assault Echoes 26/11, India Tells UN in Strong Rebuke of Pakistan

India has strongly condemned the recent terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, calling it the deadliest assault on civilians since the 2008 Mumbai attacks. Speaking at the launch of the Victims of Terrorism Association Network (VoTAN) at the United Nations, India’s Deputy Permanent Representative to the UN, Ambassador Yojna Patel, underscored the deep scars left by terrorism on individuals, families, and societies.

“The Pahalgam terrorist attack represents the highest number of civilian casualties since the horrific 26/11 Mumbai attacks,” Patel stated. “As a country that has endured decades of cross-border terrorism, India fully understands the long-term impact such brutal acts have.”

The April 22 attack, which claimed at least 28 lives, has drawn widespread global condemnation. Patel acknowledged the outpouring of international solidarity, noting it as a strong signal of the world’s growing intolerance for terrorism. “India deeply appreciates the unequivocal support and solidarity extended by global leaders and governments in response to the Pahalgam tragedy,” she said.

Emphasising accountability, Patel reiterated the call for justice against those responsible for acts of terror. Citing the UN Security Council’s stance, she stressed that “perpetrators, organisers, financiers, and sponsors of terrorist attacks must be brought to justice.”

She reaffirmed India’s unwavering position that terrorism is unjustifiable under any circumstance, regardless of the perpetrator’s motivations. “There can be no justification for terrorism — none whatsoever,” she declared.

Welcoming the launch of VoTAN, Patel said the initiative is a vital step toward a victim-centred global counter-terrorism framework. “It offers a structured, secure space where victims can be heard and supported,” she said. “India believes victims must remain central to the global response to terrorism.”

During her remarks, Patel also denounced the misuse of the UN platform for political propaganda. Without naming Pakistan directly, she criticised a particular delegation for attempting to derail the forum with baseless accusations against India. She referenced a recent interview in which Pakistan’s Defence Minister Khawaja Asif admitted to the country’s past support for terrorist organisations.

“This public confession confirms what the global community has long known — that Pakistan has harboured, trained, and financed terror networks,” Patel stated. “This open admission exposes Pakistan as a rogue state that has fueled global terrorism and regional instability.”

Concluding her address, Patel urged the international community to act decisively. “The world can no longer afford to turn a blind eye to these realities,” she said. “India stands firm in its resolve to combat terrorism and ensure justice for its victims.”

The Pahalgam attack has renewed calls for coordinated international efforts to combat terrorism and support victims, as tensions rise over Pakistan’s alleged role in harboring and enabling extremist groups.