India Condemns Shehbaz Sharif’s UN Speech as Absurd Theatric

In a sharp exchange at the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), India strongly rebutted remarks made by Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, describing his speech as “absurd theatrics” and accusing Pakistan of glorifying terrorism. The Indian response came shortly after Sharif’s address, where he portrayed Pakistan as a victim of “unprovoked aggression” by India and boasted of military successes during the recent conflict known as Operation Sindoor.

Sharif’s speech to the UNGA included claims that Pakistan’s armed forces had bravely repelled Indian attacks, damaging Indian jets and defending the country with professionalism. He also criticised India’s actions in Kashmir and called out India’s decision to suspend the Indus Waters Treaty, labelling it an “act of war.”

India firmly rejected these claims through its First Secretary at the UN, Petal Gahlot, who exercised India’s right of reply on behalf of the country. Ms. Gahlot accused Sharif and Pakistan of masking the truth with drama and lies, highlighting Islamabad’s continued support for terrorist groups. She pointed out that Pakistan had shielded

“The Resistance Front,” a terror outfit linked to the deadly Pahalgam attack on tourists in Jammu and Kashmir this year, hence playing a role in perpetuating violence in the region.

“The assembly witnessed absurd theatrics from the Prime Minister of Pakistan, who once again glorified terrorism, which is central to their foreign policy. No degree of lies and no level of drama can conceal the facts,” Ms. Gahlot said. She further noted that Pakistan had long sheltered extremists, citing how the country once protected Osama bin Laden for a decade despite its public stance against terrorism.

India also addressed Sharif’s claims of military success, asserting that Pakistan’s version misrepresented reality. India’s Air Chief Marshal Amar Preet Singh had earlier clarified that India downed five Pakistani fighter jets and a large aircraft during the May conflict. Ms. Gahlot added that images of burnt runways and destroyed hangars at Pakistani airbases—visible to the world—undermine Sharif’s claims of victory.

Besides the military clash, Ms. Gahlot called on Pakistan to shut down all terrorist camps on its soil and surrender those wanted by India as a clear path towards peace. She highlighted the irony of a country that follows hate and bigotry preaching about faith and peace at the UN.

Sharif also accused India of “Hindutva-driven extremism,” warning that such ideologies pose a danger globally. While India did not directly respond to this particular claim, Ms. Gahlot’s overall statement reiterated India’s stance against terrorism and its commitment to factual truth in international diplomacy.

This verbal confrontation at the UN showcases the ongoing deep tensions between India and Pakistan, particularly over Kashmir and cross-border terrorism. Comments at global platforms like the UN General Assembly often reflect the entrenched positions of both nations, making diplomatic resolution challenging.

In summary, the exchange underlines how India strongly refutes Pakistan’s portrayal of recent events and accuses Islamabad of using staged theatrics to distort facts and glorify terrorism. Meanwhile, Pakistan insists on its narrative of self-defence and victimhood. The dispute highlights the continuing complex and sensitive geopolitical issues between two neighbouring countries with a long history of conflict.

This episode at the UN will likely continue to influence international perceptions and diplomatic engagement between India, Pakistan, and the wider global community. Both countries remain under scrutiny by world powers regarding their approach to security, terrorism, and bilateral relations in South Asia, a region crucial for global stability.

Such confrontations underline the urgent need for dialogue and peaceful resolution despite harsh words exchanged on international stages.

With inputs from agencies

Image Source: Multiple agencies