'Pakistan's Frankenstein Monster Of Terrorism Has Come Back To Haunt It': India At UN

India has launched a strong attack on Pakistan at the United Nations, accusing Islamabad of using terrorist groups for strategic purposes and warning that the same forces have now turned into a serious challenge for Pakistan itself. Speaking during a right-of-reply intervention at the UN General Assembly’s Sixth Committee, India’s First Secretary at the United Nations, Raghoo Puri, rejected Pakistan’s portrayal of itself as both a victim of terrorism and a country at the forefront of the fight against extremist groups.

Puri described Pakistan’s alleged long-standing relationship with militant organisations as a “Frankenstein” that had eventually turned against its creator. He said Pakistan could not claim to be fighting terrorism while, according to India, continuing to provide space for groups involved in militant activities.

India also referred to remarks made by Pakistani political leaders to underline its argument. Puri cited comments attributed to Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz about the security threat posed by militants operating from Pakistan’s own territory. He also recalled former Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif’s 2018 remarks questioning why militant groups based in Pakistan were allowed to cross the border and carry out attacks in India.

According to India, these statements indicate that concerns about terrorism are no longer limited to countries neighbouring Pakistan. The issue has increasingly become a domestic security challenge for Pakistan as well. Puri further accused Islamabad of adopting contradictory positions on terrorism, saying, “You cannot run with the hares and hunt with the hounds.” India has for years alleged that Pakistan-based militant groups have carried out attacks in India, while Pakistan has rejected accusations that it sponsors terrorism.

The Indian representative also challenged Pakistan’s narrative surrounding Operation Sindoor and the military confrontation that followed the Pahalgam terror attack. New Delhi has maintained that Operation Sindoor targeted terrorist infrastructure, while Pakistan has presented its own account of the confrontation. At the UN, India rejected claims that Pakistan had emerged victorious and accused Islamabad of attempting to shape an alternative narrative.

The issue of Jaish-e-Mohammed chief Masood Azhar also featured in India’s remarks. Azhar is designated as a terrorist by the United Nations, and India has repeatedly called for stronger international action against individuals and organisations accused of terrorism. Puri questioned Pakistan’s position on Azhar and referred to reports concerning his continued activities.

India also placed emphasis on the importance of tackling terrorist financing. Referring to the Financial Action Task Force, New Delhi stressed that combating terrorism requires action against not only those who carry out attacks but also the financial and logistical networks that allow militant organisations to survive.

The latest exchange at the UN comes amid continuing tensions between India and Pakistan over terrorism, cross-border militancy and regional security. India has consistently argued that the international community must adopt a zero-tolerance approach towards terrorism and avoid differentiating between terrorist organisations based on their political objectives.

The “Frankenstein” reference used by India reflects New Delhi’s broader argument that terrorist organisations supported or tolerated for strategic purposes can eventually become a threat to the very state that allowed them to operate. The remarks at the UN therefore marked another direct confrontation between the two countries over the issue of terrorism and accountability.