Undermines UN's credibility: Rajnath Singh on Pak leading counter-terror panel

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has come down heavily on the United Nations for what he described as a shocking and ironic decision to appoint Pakistan as the Vice-Chair of the UN Counter-Terrorism Committee. In a strongly worded statement, Singh said the move is akin to “making the cat guard the milk,” especially when the world knows Pakistan’s long-standing track record of sheltering and glorifying terrorists.

“It is unacceptable to even think that a terrorist can be someone’s freedom fighter. I had clearly stated this at the SAARC Interior Ministers’ meeting in Islamabad in 2016, where a section of Pakistan was attempting to legitimise terrorism in the name of freedom struggle,” Rajnath Singh said.

Speaking at a conclave hosted in Dehradun, Rajnath Singh highlighted the deep contradiction in the global perception of the two nations, saying, “India and Pakistan gained independence at the same time. Today, India is recognised globally as the ‘Mother of Democracy,’ while Pakistan has earned notoriety as the ‘Father of Global Terrorism.’”

Slamming the UN decision, Singh noted, “The most recent example is the appointment of Pakistan as Vice-Chair of the UN Security Council’s Counter-Terrorism Panel, a body formed after the 9/11 attacks. Everyone knows who orchestrated 9/11 and where the mastermind was found. Pakistan harboured him. This appointment seriously undermines the credibility of the UN’s counter-terrorism efforts.”

He pointed out that terrorists like Hafiz Saeed and Masood Azhar continue to roam freely in Pakistan, while Pakistani army officers have even been seen offering prayers at funerals of terrorists. “How can the world expect such a country to lead the global fight against terrorism? This is nothing less than a cruel joke and raises deep questions about the intent and integrity of the global order,” Singh said.

The Defence Minister went on to reiterate his previous advice to Pakistan: “If you cannot handle terrorism effectively, seek help from India. Our forces are capable of neutralising terrorism on both sides of the border. Pakistan witnessed this firsthand during Operation Sindoor.”

He called for the global community to exert strategic, diplomatic, and economic pressure on Pakistan. “Only when we are free from the threat of terrorism can the world move towards real peace and prosperity,” Singh said, adding that even Pakistan’s citizens want peace, but their rulers have led the country down a path of destruction.

Singh also emphasised the Indian government’s efforts to combat terrorism while strengthening national security. “We are moving ahead with a new mindset and strategy. A key pillar of Atmanirbhar Bharat is our defence sector,” he said.

The Defence Minister cited India’s massive progress in defence exports, noting that exports have risen nearly 35 times since 2014 — from Rs 686 crore to Rs 23,622 crore in 2024 — 25. “Our aim is to reach Rs 30,000 crore this year and Rs 50,000 crore by 2029. I am confident we will achieve it,” he added.