Sushma Swaraj's speech at UNGA: As it happened

Pakistan PM Nawaz Sharif's UN General Assembly (UNGA) speech on Wednesday night had focused elaborately on Kashmir and had glorified Hizbul militant Burhan Wani.

Delhi: In a sharp rebuke to Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif's 'tirade' on Kashmir, India on Monday said that those accusing others of rights violations must introspect.

External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj in her address at the 71st UN General Assembly (UNGA) session said, "I can only say that those accusing others of human rights violations would do well to introspect and see what egregious abuses they are perpetrating in their own country, including in Balochistan. The brutality against the Baloch people represents the worst form of state oppression." 

She also made a strong pitch for isolating such nations who speak the language of terrorism and for whom sheltering terrorists had become 'their calling card'.

The EAM asserted that terrorism deeply concerns every member of the UN General Assembly, with people from New York, Kabul, Uri and Istanbul bearing the brunt of the growing scourge.

Tensions have been running high between India and Pakistan after the deadly terror attack in Uri in which 18 soldiers were martyred.

Four terrorists were also been killed by the Army.

26 September 2016

21:47 PM IST

Few days back Pakistan PM made baseless allegations against India, today EAM Swaraj gave a fitting reply, says MEA spokesperson Vikas Swarup.

21:42 PM IST

21:42 PM IST

Sushma ji presented India's viewpoint very well at UNGA. Congratulations to her

— Arvind Kejriwal (@ArvindKejriwal) September 26, 2016

21:11 PM IST

This is a good step and we hope this continues, says Brahamdagh Bugti, Baloch leader on Swaraj raising Balochistan issue at UNGA.

21:09 PM IST

India unwilling to address historical disputes like Kashmir, that directly fan misunderstanding, ANI quotes Pakistan Army Chief General Raheel Sharif as saying.

21:08 PM IST

Hats off @SushmaSwaraj ji for extremely putting forth India’s point of view &Exposing Pakistan’s evilDesigns in such a Brilliant Manner(1/2)

— M Venkaiah Naidu (@MVenkaiahNaidu) September 26, 2016

We should feel extremely proud of our External Affairs minister Smt @SushmaSwaraj. Pakistan totally exposed(2/2)

— M Venkaiah Naidu (@MVenkaiahNaidu) September 26, 2016

20:57 PM IST

संयुक्त राष्ट्र संघ UNGA में संतुलित, तर्कपूर्ण एवं प्रभावशाली वक्तव्य के लिए सुषमा स्वराज जी को बधाई. https://t.co/H5e2pMjgTl

— Rajnath Singh (@rajnathsingh) September 26, 2016

20:56 PM IST

Nothing will happen by giving speeches at UN. We can't even name Pakistan.Why? Nawaz Sharif names us, says Shiv Sena leader Sanjay Raut.

20:55 PM IST

Like all MEA drafted speeches, it was a well crafted and well-written speech. I think the thrust of the message was a good one and that Indians can stand behind the message, says Shashi Tharoor.

20:54 PM IST

The world has known for the last 25-30 years now that Pakistan is a net exporter of terror. What is unknown is what the NDA government is going to do to change Pakistan's behaviour, the country wants to know this from the PM, says Congress' Manish Tewari.

20:51 PM IST

20:36 PM IST

EAM @SushmaSwaraj speech at #UNGA was brilliant articulation of India's position. Rightly world leaders appreciated & hailed her speech

— Prakash Javadekar (@PrakashJavdekar) September 26, 2016

20:10 PM IST

After Swaraj's speech, MEA tweets:

EAM addressed most critical issue of #terrorism at #UNGA .Wont b able to win against terrorism by making distinctions b/w ur problems & mine pic.twitter.com/zAaRfdYne2

— Vikas Swarup (@MEAIndia) September 26, 2016

20:10 PM IST

Congrats to EAM @SushmaSwaraj for a firm, effective & fine articulation of a wide range of global issues at #UNGA. https://t.co/9ZgwAbfPDr

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) September 26, 2016

20:01 PM IST

#SushmaSwaraj made it clear that there will be no compromise on Jammu & Kashmir which is an integral part of India.

— Ravi Shankar Prasad (@rsprasad) September 26, 2016

India is a powerful country which believes in peaceful & constructive diplomatic means to unite the world against terrorism. @SushmaSwaraj

— Ravi Shankar Prasad (@rsprasad) September 26, 2016

20:00 PM IST

Befitting speech by EAM @SushmaSwaraj Ji @ #UNGA: highlighting our issues with #Pakistan & reiterating our demand 4a permanent seat @ #UNSC

— Vijay Kumar Singh (@Gen_VKSingh) September 26, 2016

20:00 PM IST

Here is the link to EAM @SushmaSwaraj's address at the 71st #UNGA https://t.co/G04DkPUP1u

— Indian Diplomacy (@IndianDiplomacy) September 26, 2016

19:47 PM IST

Long queue of people wanting to compliment EAM on her #UNGA address pic.twitter.com/vz5ymBLc4e

— Vikas Swarup (@MEAIndia) September 26, 2016

19:42 PM IST

First person to greet EAM after her address is the FM of Oman Alawi pic.twitter.com/xxh2JOa6cl

— Vikas Swarup (@MEAIndia) September 26, 2016

19:42 PM IST

EAM exhorts the UNGA to action.

Two critical unfulfilled tasks remain, first, passing the CCIT, pending for two decades, second, an expansion in the membership of UNSC to reflect contemporary realities is an urgent necessity, she says.

EAM @SushmaSwaraj concludes #UNGA address, reiterates the call for action: What happens tomorrow will depend on what we do today. pic.twitter.com/0mRNr0VkIE

— Vikas Swarup (@MEAIndia) September 26, 2016

19:28 PM IST

If Pakistan thinks, it can take away Kashmir by doing this then it is mistaken, says Swaraj.

My firm advice to Pakistan is - abandon this dream. Jammu and Kashmir is an integral part of India and will always remain so, says EAM.

19:27 PM IST

Swaraj asks - What pre-conditions, Mr PM? (Nawaz Sharif). We have, infact, attempted a paradigm of friendship without precedent but what did we get in return.

Bahadur Ali is a living example of Pakistan's cross-border terrorism, she adds. 

EAM @SushmaSwaraj: What pre-conditions, Mr. PM? We have, infact, attempted a paradigm of friendship without precedent. pic.twitter.com/O8KMrYO709

— Vikas Swarup (@MEAIndia) September 26, 2016

EAM @SushmaSwaraj at #UNGA लेकिन इस मित्रता के बदले में हमें मिला क्या – पठानकोट, बहादुर अली और उरी। pic.twitter.com/7T4P55U66l

— Vikas Swarup (@MEAIndia) September 26, 2016

19:27 PM IST

We extended hand of friendship towards Pakistan, but we got Uri, Pathankot attacks in return, says Sushma Swaraj.

19:26 PM IST

EAM responds to Pakistan PM, says 'those accusing others of human rights violations would do well to introspect and see their own abuses'.

'The brutality against the Baloch people represents the worst form of state oppression', she adds.

19:26 PM IST

We all have to come together to fight the scourge of terrorism, if some country is not willing then it must be isolated, says Swaraj.

19:25 PM IST

Those who live in glass houses should not throw stones at others: EAM Sushma Swaraj.

19:24 PM IST

EAM talks of terror attacks from Paris to Pathankot and Brussels to Uri.

We, who have suffered in Uri recently, understand the pain inflicted by the same forces. The world has been battling this scourge for long, she says.

19:23 PM IST

Terrorism is a demon which is devouring all regardless of nationality. All countries have to unite to fight this, says EAM.

19:23 PM IST

It is important to ask as to who is behind this and who benefits from it? Terrorists do not own banks or weapons factories, so let us ask the real question as to who finances these terrorists, who arms them and provides sanctuaries? - Sushma Swaraj.

19:22 PM IST

The only way to fight terrorism is to unite by keeping our likes and dislikes aside, says EAM.

19:22 PM IST

There can be no development in world without peace, says EAM.

19:21 PM IST

Terrorism targets the innocent and kills indiscriminately. Terrorism has gone way beyond affecting individuals or nations - it is a crime against humanity itself, says EAM.

This month we marked the 15th Anniversary of the 9/11 terror attacks on this city. Tragically, less than 15 days ago, another attempt at killing innocents was made through an act of terror in this same city," says Swaraj (in reference to to the bombings in Manhattan and New Jersey earlier this month).

19:20 PM IST

EAM @SushmaSwaraj: Nothing underlines our commitment to the SDGs more than the approach of our National Parliament pic.twitter.com/C6CKajprx8

— Vikas Swarup (@MEAIndia) September 26, 2016

19:19 PM IST

EAM @SushmaSwaraj speaks of #SDGs:I am happy that the 17 goals adopted by this Assembly are matched by development vision of my government pic.twitter.com/5xP1rA0VD1

— Vikas Swarup (@MEAIndia) September 26, 2016

19:18 PM IST

We must remember that we will be defined not just by our actions, but equally by our inaction, says EAM.

19:18 PM IST

If we do justice to the environment, it will be just with us, says Swaraj.

19:17 PM IST

I am very thankful to the UN for its tremendous support for International Yoga day, says Swaraj.

19:17 PM IST

Swaraj talks about her government's achievements in child education, girl education and bank account for the poor.

Sanitation is a big issue, and we have started 'Swacch Bharat Abhiyan' under which 4 lakh toilets are built in 2 lakh schools, she adds.

EAM on climate change and the duties of developing and developed nations says, "While our responsibility is common, our obligations are different."

"We must curb reckless consumption and adopt lifestyles in harmony with nature. I assure this Assembly that India will continue to play a leading role in combating climate change," Swaraj maintains.

EAM @SushmaSwaraj speaks of an'r imp challenge: climate change - If we respect nature, nature will respect & nurture us & future generat'ns pic.twitter.com/PwZXMrQNdE

— Vikas Swarup (@MEAIndia) September 26, 2016

19:13 PM IST

A year has passed since I stood at this hallowed podium to address members of the international community.

19:11 PM IST

Sushma Swaraj begins her speech.

19:02 PM IST

Swaraj's speech any time now -

. @v4viraj at 1900 IST

— Vikas Swarup (@MEAIndia) September 26, 2016

18:43 PM IST

Stage set for India.
EAM @SushmaSwaraj arrives at UN for her address to 71st #UNGA session pic.twitter.com/GO9Gwg0DRV

— Vikas Swarup (@MEAIndia) September 26, 2016

18:42 PM IST

18:35 PM IST

Our External Affairs Minister @SushmaSwaraj ji will be addressing the UNGA's 71st session in New York at 7 pm IST.#SushmaSwaraj

— Shahnawaz Hussain (@ShahnawazBJP) September 26, 2016

18:34 PM IST

18:29 PM IST

Not taking it lying down, First Secretary at the Permanent Mission of India to the UN, Eenam Gambhir had ripped apart Sharif's speech saying that it was "ironical that we have seen today the preaching of human rights and ostensible support for self-determination by a country which has established itself as the global epicentre of terrorism."

Exercising India's Right of Reply to Sharif's 'long tirade' about the situation in Kashmir, Gambhir had made a strong rebuttal.

Land of Taxila, one of the greatest learning centers of ancient times, is now host to the Ivy League of Terrorism - India responds @un pic.twitter.com/ytfT3SR53u

— Syed Akbaruddin (@AkbaruddinIndia) September 22, 2016

18:28 PM IST

18:22 PM IST

After the attack, Prime Minister Narendra Modi had said that perpetrators would not go punished and Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh had called Pakistan a terrorist state.

Here's what they had tweeted: 

Pakistan is a terrorist state and it should be identified and isolated as such.

— Rajnath Singh (@rajnathsingh) September 18, 2016

We strongly condemn the cowardly terror attack in Uri. I assure the nation that those behind this despicable attack will not go unpunished.

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) September 18, 2016

18:18 PM IST

Tensions between India and Pakistan has been running high after the deadly attack on the Army in Uri in the wee hours of September 18 in which 18 soldiers killed when heavily armed militants had stormed a battalion headquarters in North Kashmir.

Four militants involved in the terror strike were killed by the Army.

18:17 PM IST

18:15 PM IST

Soon after Sharif's speech in New York, India had hit back at Pakistan with MEA spokesperson Vikas Swarup tweeting the following - 

PM Sharif at #UNGA says India poses unacceptable conditions to dialogue. India's only condition is an end to terrorism. This not acceptable?

— Vikas Swarup (@MEAIndia) September 21, 2016

Pak PM Sharif at #UNGA glorifies Hizbul terrorist Burhan Wani in UN's highest forum. Shows continued Pak attachment to terrorism.

— Vikas Swarup (@MEAIndia) September 21, 2016

Pak PM Sharif at #UNGA in complete denial of Uri terror attack. 19 infiltration attempts stopped at LoC this year. Indigenous??!!

— Vikas Swarup (@MEAIndia) September 21, 2016

18:11 PM IST

As we wait for Swaraj's speech here's a look at how Sharif had needled India -

Sharif had said in his speech at UN on the night of September 22 that Pakistan fully supported Kashmiris' right to self-determination and had demanded an "independent enquiry" into the "extrajudicial killings" in Kashmir.

He had also said that Hizbul militant Burhan Wani, whose killing on July 8 sparked off the current unrest in the Kashmir valley, had become "the symbol of the new Kashmiri intifada that was led by common Kashmiris".

At the same time, Pakistan PM had spoken of "Indian brutalities" and "human rights violations by Indian forces" in the Kashmir Valley, and said Pakistan would present a dossier on Kashmir to the world body.

18:06 PM IST

Swaraj had arrived in New York on Saturday afternoon.

Leading India's delegation to the 71st UNGA. EAM @SushmaSwaraj arrives in New York pic.twitter.com/hFJp0nImDR

— Vikas Swarup (@MEAIndia) September 24, 2016

18:05 PM IST

All eyes are on External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj who is scheduled to address the UN General Assembly in a short while from now and is expected to deliver a stinging response to Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif's 'tirade' on Kashmir.