In his speech to the UN on July 1, 2025, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar made a major reaffirmation of India’s commitment to fighting terrorism and protecting human rights internationally.
Jaishankar emphasized the significant and enduring effects of terrorism on people and families around the world while speaking at the opening of the exhibition “The Human Cost of Terrorism,” which was organized by India’s Permanent Mission to the UN in New York. According to him, the exhibition is a somber homage to the victims whose voices have been muted and a show of support for the families who are still dealing with the suffering caused by terrorist attacks.
Jaishankar emphasized that the show was more than just a compilation of pictures and testimony; rather, it was a museum of human bravery and a potent declaration of our common humanity, with each artifact narrating a tale of lives lost or upended.
He urged the world community, particularly those present at the UN, to go beyond memory and make a firm commitment to defending and preserving the human rights and ideals that terrorism aims to eradicate.
The importance of a united and revitalized international effort to combat terrorism in all of its forms and manifestations was emphasized by Jaishankar’s words. He emphasized how nations must work together to take prompt action, safeguard populations at risk, and guarantee the protection and strengthening of the fundamental freedoms and rights that terrorists targets.
At the invitation of US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Jaishankar also attended the QUAD Foreign Ministers’ Meeting during his visit to the US. A free, open, and secure Indo-Pacific area is still being promoted by the QUAD, which is made up of the US, Japan, Australia, and India.
Since its founding as a cooperative response to the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami, the group has developed into a strategic forum focusing on cooperation, resilience, and regional security. According to US State Department Principal Deputy Spokesperson Tommy Pigott, the next summit will build on the momentum now in place to promote these common goals.
India’s active role in the international war against terrorism and its steadfast support for human rights and international solidarity are highlighted by Jaishankar’s remarks at the UN and his interaction with the QUAD.
The exhibition serves as a powerful reminder of the human cost of terrorism and the necessity for nations to stand together in defense of the principles that underpin international peace and security by showcasing firsthand stories and visual documentation.
