India's Jaishankar Rebuffs Pakistani Reporter at UNGA

Conflict17 sourcesSep 26, 2026

Leans rightFactual rigor 55/100

The Story

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar responded sharply to a Pakistani reporter's question about India sponsoring terrorism during a press briefing at the 81st United Nations General Assembly in New York on Friday.

The reporter asked, "When will your government stop sponsoring terrorism in Pakistan?" Jaishankar replied, "A terrorist country is asking me that question." The exchange occurred at the conclusion of a press conference. Meanwhile, Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif addressed the UNGA, reviving Islamabad's account of the May 2025 India-Pakistan conflict and crediting US President Donald Trump with preventing a wider war.

India, however, maintains that the ceasefire was agreed through direct military-to-military communication without third-party mediation. India's First Secretary Petal Gahlot accused Pakistan of peddling falsehoods and deceit and described Pakistan as a puppet regime. Sharif also addressed regional security, calling for the Straits of Hormuz and Bab al-Mandeb to remain open and warning that any attempt by India to divert Pakistan's water share would be treated as an act of war.

What they agree on

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar rebuffed a Pakistani reporter's question about terrorism at the UN General Assembly.
Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif addressed the UN General Assembly and discussed the May 2025 conflict with India.
India and Pakistan exchanged accusations of terrorism and deceit at the UN General Assembly.
Pakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif stated that any attempt by India to divert Pakistan's water share would be considered an "act of war."

Where they split

The Times of India and other outlets focus on Jaishankar's exchange with the Pakistani reporter, while Dawn and Business Recorder give more prominence to Pakistan's counter-accusations against India regarding terrorism and water rights.
Some outlets, like The Times of India, highlight US President Donald Trump's role in the May 2025 conflict as presented by Pakistan, while others, such as Hindustan Times, emphasize India's position that no third party was involved in the ceasefire.
Breitbart News frames the events with a focus on Trump's actions and India's perceived diplomatic isolation, while Al-Monitor and Anadolu Agency provide a more neutral account of the UNGA proceedings.