UM Jaishankar Inaugurates ‘Human Cost of Terrorism’ Exhibition at UN, Calls for Global Action

External Affairs Minister highlights India’s commitment to exposing state-sponsored terror, seeks global consensus for zero tolerance and stronger counter-terrorism measures

New York : India’s External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar inaugurated an evocative exhibition titled “The Human Cost of Terrorism” at the United Nations on Monday (local time), calling for a united global effort to combat terrorism in all its forms and manifestations. The exhibition, organised by the Permanent Mission of India to the UN, seeks to honour victims of terrorism while also highlighting its enduring impact on individuals, families, and nations.

Addressing a gathering of diplomats and officials at the inauguration, Jaishankar described the exhibition as “a humble but determined attempt to give a voice to those who can no longer speak, a tribute to those who have passed away, and a reminder of lives shattered by terror.” He said the event was not just a memorial but also a reaffirmation of shared global responsibility to defend human rights and values under attack by terrorism.

“This exhibition is a gallery of human courage. Each image, each word, each artwork tells the story of a life disrupted or lost,” he said. “It is a powerful reminder of our shared humanity and the urgent need to reaffirm our commitment to protecting it.”

Jaishankar also underscored the grave nature of terrorism as a challenge that goes beyond borders. “Terrorism is one of the greatest threats to humanity. It runs counter to the principles upon which the United Nations was founded. When terrorism is state-sponsored, when it is fuelled by extremist fanaticism, and when it supports illicit global networks, it must be publicly exposed and resolutely countered,” he said.

Referencing the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, which was strongly condemned by the UN Security Council, Jaishankar detailed India’s response—Operation Sindoor, launched on May 7. The operation led to targeted strikes by Indian armed forces on terror camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Jammu & Kashmir, resulting in the elimination of over 100 terrorists affiliated with groups such as Jaish-e-Mohammed, Lashkar-e-Taiba, and Hizbul Mujahideen.

He emphasised the importance of holding perpetrators accountable and reiterated that “there can be no tolerance for impunity, no space for proxies, and no surrender to nuclear blackmail.” Any form of state sponsorship, he added, must be publicly exposed and internationally condemned.

Jaishankar’s remarks were supported by visuals and personal stories on display, which sought to humanise the often-statistical coverage of terrorism. “The pain and suffering of victims is not just a national tragedy, it is a global call to action,” he said. “Terrorism anywhere is a threat to peace everywhere. Let this understanding guide our collective thinking and global response.”

The event comes as Jaishankar is visiting the United States at the invitation of U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio to participate in the Quad Foreign Ministers’ Meeting scheduled for July 1. The dialogue among India, the United States, Japan, and Australia aims to deepen cooperation on regional and global issues, especially within the Indo-Pacific.

Commenting on the upcoming summit, U.S. State Department Principal Deputy Spokesperson Tommy Piggot said during a recent briefing, “The meeting will build on momentum to advance a free, open, and secure Indo-Pacific.”

The exhibition at the UN marks a significant moment in India’s global diplomatic efforts to not only spotlight terrorism’s brutal cost but also reinforce the need for cohesive international action. It reiterates India’s longstanding position: that global peace and progress are inseparable from a determined, zero-tolerance approach to terrorism.

As Jaishankar concluded, “Let this exhibition serve not just as a remembrance, but as a rallying point. A place where the global community can recommit to rejecting terror in all its forms and work together to ensure a safer, more humane future for all.”