UNGA: India Says Pakistan Military Begged for Truce in Operation Sindoor

India delivered a forceful and detailed response at the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), asserting that the Pakistani military “pleaded” for a cessation of fighting during the recent cross-border military operation, ‘Operation Sindoor.’ The hard-hitting Right of Reply came following an address by the Prime Minister of Pakistan, who had attempted to portray a different narrative of the conflict and credited a third party for averting a war.

First Secretary in India’s Permanent Mission to the UN, Petal Gahlot, led the sharp rebuttal, dismissing the Pakistani Prime Minister’s remarks as “absurd theatrics” that “once again glorified terrorism that is so central to their foreign policy.” The Indian diplomat directly challenged Pakistan’s account of the events surrounding Operation Sindoor, an action launched by India in May in retaliation for the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack that tragically killed 26 civilians. The operation targeted terrorist infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir.

Rebutting Claims of Third-Party Intervention

A central point of India’s statement was the categorical rejection of any third-party mediation in the cessation of hostilities. The Pakistani Prime Minister had claimed that an external leader was instrumental in bringing about a ceasefire, a claim that New Delhi firmly disputed.

“The record on this matter is clear,” stated Ms. Gahlot. “Till 9 May, Pakistan was threatening more attacks on India. But on 10 May, its military pleaded with us directly for a cessation to the fighting.” She underscored that the understanding on a ceasefire was reached following direct talks between the Directors General of Military Operations (DGMOs) of the two countries, not through external intervention. This assertion firmly reiterated India’s long-standing position that all outstanding issues between the two nations must be resolved bilaterally, leaving “no room for any third party” in the process.

Evidence of Damage and Terror Sponsorship

The Indian representative also addressed the damage inflicted during Operation Sindoor. While the Pakistani Prime Minister had bizarrely claimed that Pakistan’s air force had successfully repelled the strikes, Ms. Gahlot countered with photographic evidence. “A picture speaks a thousand words, and we saw many pictures of terrorists slain in Bahawalpur and Muridke terror complexes by Indian forces during Operation Sindoor,” she said. She sarcastically added, “If destroyed runways and burnt-out hangars look like victory, as the Prime Minister claimed, Pakistan is welcome to enjoy it.”

Ms. Gahlot did not mince words on the issue of cross-border terrorism, directly accusing Pakistan of having “no shame” in advancing “ludicrous narratives” and “deploying and exporting terrorism.” She reminded the global forum that Pakistan had shielded the mastermind of the 9/11 attacks, Osama bin Laden, for a decade and had recently seen its own ministers acknowledge the operation of terrorist camps for decades. She also pointed out that Pakistan had attempted to shield the Pakistan-backed militant group responsible for the Pahalgam massacre at the UN Security Council.

A Clear Path for Peace

Responding to the Pakistani leader’s stated desire for peace and dialogue, India laid down an unambiguous condition. Ms. Gahlot stated, “If he is indeed sincere, the pathway is clear. Pakistan must immediately shut down all terrorist camps and hand over to us the terrorists wanted in India.”

Concluding with a firm message of ‘zero-tolerance,’ India stressed that in the fight against terrorism, there would be “no distinction between the terrorists and their sponsors. Both will be held accountable.” This decisive address at the UNGA served as a comprehensive rejection of Pakistan’s diplomatic maneuvering and a strong defense of India’s right to self-defense against state-sponsored terrorism.