New York: India called the latest terrorist incident in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, the biggest civilian attack since the 26/11 Mumbai bombings, and it strongly denounced it.

“The Pahalgam terrorist attack represents the largest number of civilian casualties since the horrific 26/11 Mumbai attacks in 2008,” said Deputy Permanent Representative of India Yojna Patel, who was delivering India’s statement at the United Nations during the launch of the Victims of Terrorism Association Network (VoTAN). India, which has seen decades of cross-border terrorism, is well aware of the enduring effects that these crimes have on victims, their families, and society as a whole.

She emphasized that India is aware of the long-lasting damage that acts of cross-border terrorism do to society because of its experience with them.

Additionally, Ambassador Patel praised the world community’s unwavering and powerful support after the Pahalgam incident.

“In the wake of the recent terrorist attack at Pahalgam, Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir, India deeply appreciates and values the strong, unequivocal support and solidarity extended by leaders and governments across the world,” she said. The world community’s zero tolerance for terrorism is shown by this.

She pointed out that the widespread denunciation and sympathy are indicative of a rising international agreement that terrorism must be opposed with vigor and solidarity.

Patel emphasized the need for accountability in counterterrorism measures while calling attention to international commitments. She said, “As the UN Security Council in its statement has said, perpetrators, organizers, financiers and sponsors of reprehensible acts of terrorism must be held accountable and brought to justice.”

“Acts of terrorism are criminal and unjustifiable, regardless of their motivation, wherever, whenever, and by whomever committed,” she said, referring to the universality of the effects of terrorism.
Patel reaffirmed India’s unwavering view that there is never a valid excuse for terrorism and that full responsibility is necessary for both justice and deterrence.

Patel praised the creation of the Victims of Terrorism Association and emphasized victim-centered measures. “The creation of the Victims of Terrorism Association is an important step in this regard,” she said. It will provide a controlled, secure environment where victims may get care and attention.

“India believes that initiatives like VoTAN are essential to strengthening the global response to terrorism, ensuring that victims remain at the center of our collective efforts,” she said, underscoring the need to put victims at the center of international counterterrorism tactics.

Victim-centric methods, such as VoTAN, would empower individuals impacted and guarantee that their voices direct global counterterrorism efforts, Patel said.

Patel also discussed the abuse of the UN platform by a certain delegation during her speech. Without mentioning Pakistan, she said, “It is unfortunate that one particular delegation has chosen to misuse and undermine this forum to indulge in propaganda and make baseless allegations against India.”

She cited a widely publicized public admission as an example of recent trends. Patel said, “The whole world has heard Pakistan’s defense minister, Khwaja Asif, admit and confess Pakistan’s history of supporting, training, and funding terrorist organizations in a recent television interview.” “This confession just confirmed what the world community has seen,” she said.

Patel went on to say, “This open confession surprises no one and exposes Pakistan as a rogue state, fueling global terrorism and destabilizing the region.” She urged the world community to react to these facts in a suitable manner as she concluded her address. “The world can’t ignore this any longer. There is nothing else I can say.

India’s formal remark at the Victims of Terrorism Association Network’s inauguration was given by Ambassador Yojna Patel.