S Jaishankar hits back at Pakistani reporter over terrorism question

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Friday hit back at a Pakistani reporter who attempted to question him about terrorism during a press briefing in New York, saying, “A terrorist country is asking me that question.”

The exchange took place during a press conference Jaishankar was addressing along with Liberia’s Foreign Minister Sara Beysolow Nyanti on the sidelines of the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly.

The briefing was focused on the Group of Friends on Safety and Security of Shipping and Seafarers. According to the account of the event, it had been announced as a



remarks-only briefing before it began.

Towards the end, a Pakistani reporter interrupted and attempted to raise a question on terrorism. "When will your government stop sponsoring terrorism in Pakistan?" he asked.

Jaishankar responded firmly to the interruption. “A terrorist country is asking me that question. Come on," he said.

The External Affairs Minister is in New York as part of the Indian delegation for the UN General Assembly’s High-Level Week. He is scheduled to address the High-Level Session on Saturday and has held several bilateral and plurilateral meetings during his visit.