India issued a strong rebuttal at the United Nations following remarks made by Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. During his address, Sharif claimed that Pakistan had downed Indian fighter jets and credited U.S. President Donald Trump for facilitating a ceasefire. India’s representative at the UN, Petal Gahlot, firmly rejected these assertions and called on Pakistan to take responsibility for harboring terrorists rather than attempting to shift blame.

India challenges claims made by Pakistan

Sharif’s comments at the UN included references to military engagements with India, where he alleged that Pakistani forces had successfully brought down Indian aircraft. He further praised international intervention in de-escalating tensions. In response, Gahlot dismissed these statements as misleading and emphasized that the facts presented by Pakistan were not accurate representations of events.

Clarification on Operation Sindoor

Gahlot highlighted that what Sharif described was in fact linked to “Operation Sindoor,” an Indian military action targeting terrorist infrastructure inside Pakistan. According to her statement, this operation was not an act of aggression against Pakistan itself but a direct strike against groups responsible for cross-border terrorism. By underscoring this point, India sought to make clear that its actions were defensive in nature and aimed at protecting its citizens from repeated attacks.

Ceasefire narrative disputed

The Pakistani leader’s suggestion that his country had compelled India into halting operations was also strongly contested by Gahlot. She asserted that it was actually Pakistan which appealed for a ceasefire after facing the prospect of further Indian strikes. This version of events directly contradicted Sharif’s portrayal and placed responsibility back on Islamabad for escalating tensions in the first place through its support of militant groups.

Call for accountability on terrorism

Beyond refuting Sharif’s claims, India used the platform to reiterate its long-standing demand that Pakistan hand over individuals involved in terrorist activities against India. Gahlot stressed that instead of making unsubstantiated allegations at international forums, Pakistan should focus on dismantling terror networks operating from its soil. This appeal echoed India’s consistent position in global discussions about regional security and counterterrorism efforts.

Diplomatic exchange at global stage

The exchange between the two countries at the UN highlighted once again how deeply entrenched their disputes remain within international dialogue. While Pakistan sought to frame its narrative as one of military success and diplomatic intervention, India countered with a message centered on accountability and factual accuracy regarding counterterrorism operations. The sharp contrast underscored how both nations continue to use global platforms to present their perspectives before the international community.

India’s rebuttal concluded with a firm reminder that peace cannot be achieved through rhetoric or misrepresentation but through concrete action against terrorism. By calling out what it described as distortions in Sharif’s speech, New Delhi reinforced its position that genuine stability in the region depends on eliminating safe havens for militants rather than glorifying confrontations or external mediation efforts.