India claps back at Pakistan at UN General Assembly over its claims on 'targeted killings'

It was a war of words between India and Pakistan at the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) on Friday (May 3). India clapped back at Pakistan's remarks about "New Delhi's targeted assassinations in Pakistan." 

Addressing the UNGA session, Pakistan’s UN envoy Munir Akram claimed that this "extra-territorial state terrorism (from India)" was not limited to Pakistan.

"This has been targeted to killings of political opponents in Canada and attempted in the United States (US), and probably in other countries," Munir claimed.

He cited a report from The Washington Post that talked about Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressing a recent political rally where he said, "‘This is Modi; This is New India which attacks after entering into territories of enemies."

"This new India is a dangerous entity. It is a net provider of insecurity, not security," Munir added.

Responding to Munir's remarks, India’s Permanent Representative to the UN, Ambassador Ruchira Kamboj, said that even amid challenging times, New Delhi’s focus remains steadfast on constructive dialogue.

“We thus choose to set aside the remarks from a certain delegation [Pakistan], which not only lack decorum but also detract from our collective efforts due to their destructive and pernicious nature,” Kamboj said.

"We would strongly encourage that delegation to align with the essential principles of respect and diplomacy that must always guide our discussions or is that too much to ask of a country that harbours a most dubious track record on all aspects in itself," she added, without naming Pakistan.

Kamboj further said that terrorism stands in direct opposition to the culture of peace, and sows discord, and breeds hostility.

She called it essential for member states to work together to nurture a genuine culture of peace.

Last month, Prime Minister Modi said at a Lok Sabha election campaign rally in the northern state of Rajasthan that the country was now a "new India" that struck within enemy territory- an apparent reference to counterstrikes in Pakistan after terror attacks in India.

"New India kills them [terrorists/enemies] on their home turf," Modi said at the rally in Churu.

At an election rally in Gujarat, Modi on Wednesday (May 1) reiterated his statement by saying, "Ten years ago, the country was suffering due to terrorism. However, Congress, despite knowing the origin of terrorism, used to send a dossier to Pakistan. Today, India doesn't send dossiers to the masters of terrorism, but kills them on their home turf!"