Jaishankar urges UNHRC, UN bodies toadvocate zero-tolerance for terrorist acts

PTI, Feb 26, 2026, Geneva: India remains firm and uncompromising in its opposition to terrorism in all its forms, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar said, asserting there can be no justification, especially when innocent lives are targeted.

"Confronting terrorism requires collective resolve," Jaishankar said and urged the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) to "advocate zero-tolerance for terrorist acts."

The Union Minister was virtually addressing the High-Level Segment of the 61st session of the UNHRC on Wednesday when he pointed out that India seeks to find and expand common ground in a world marred by conflict, polarisation and uncertainty.

"We have consistently underlined dialogue over confrontation, consensus over division, and human-centric development over narrow interests," he said.

"We remain firm and uncompromising, Mr President, in our opposition to terrorism in all its forms and manifestations as well. Terrorism is among the most egregious violations of human rights and there can be no justification, especially when innocent lives are targeted.

"Confronting terrorism requires collective resolve, and we look at this Council and to the United Nations at large to advocate zero-tolerance for terrorist acts," Jaishankar said.

Asserting that India's vision is rooted in the understanding that the insecurity of any region, or the marginalisation of any group, eventually undermines the rights and well-being of all, the External Affairs Minister said: "India approaches this council with the conviction that human rights are best advanced through dialogue, capacity-building and genuine partnerships, and not by politicisation, selectivity or double standards.

S. Jaishankar said India's humanitarian outreach has been guided by empathy rather than just geography. Whether through disaster relief, medical supplies, vaccines, food grains or development partnerships, India has been a dependable partner of first resort for many, he added.