External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Friday sharply responded to a Pakistani journalist who questioned India over terrorism during a press interaction on the sidelines of the 81st United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York.
Jaishankar was addressing reporters alongside Liberia's Foreign Minister Sara Beysolow Nyanti when the Pakistani journalist questioned the Indian government over alleged sponsorship of terrorism in Pakistan.
"When will your government stop sponsoring terrorism in Pakistan?" the journalist asked.
Jaishankar responded: "A terrorist country is asking me that question. Come on."
The exchange took place after Jaishankar and Nyanti spoke about the newly launched Group of Friends on Safety and Security of Shipping and Seafarers, an initiative focused on growing security risks to commercial shipping and seafarers.
India's Permanent Representative to the UN, Harish Parvathaneni, subsequently told the journalist: "You have heard your reply. You have heard your response, loud and clear."
The exchange came amid continuing tensions between India and Pakistan over allegations of cross-border terrorism. India has repeatedly raised concerns over terrorism originating from Pakistan, while Pakistan has made counter-allegations against India.
The latest confrontation at the UN came a day after an Indian journalist questioned Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif outside the UN headquarters, asking him when Pakistan would stop harbouring terrorists, according to reports.
Jaishankar is in New York leading the Indian delegation during the high-level week of the 81st UNGA. The minister has also held several bilateral and multilateral meetings during his visit.
