India has strongly raised the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam at the United Nations and cited a Pakistani minister’s recent admission of supporting terrorism, calling it an open confession that exposes Pakistan as a rogue state.

The Pahalgam attack left 26 people dead, including 25 tourists and one local resident, marking the worst civilian casualties in a single incident since the 2008 Mumbai attacks.

Speaking at the launch of the Victims of Terrorism Association Network (VoTAN) in New York, India’s Deputy Permanent Representative to the UN, Ambassador Yojna Patel, referenced comments made by Pakistan’s Defence Minister Khwaja Asif. In a television interview, Asif admitted that Pakistan had backed terrorist groups over the years, stating, “We have been doing this dirty work for the US for the past three decades, including the West and the UK.”

Ambassador Patel highlighted that this admission confirms long-standing concerns about Pakistan’s role in supporting terrorism. “This open confession surprises no one and exposes Pakistan as a rogue state fuelling global terrorism and destabilising the region. The world can no longer turn a blind eye,” she said.

She also accused Pakistan of misusing international platforms to spread propaganda and make baseless allegations against India, further undermining global anti-terrorism efforts.

India, she noted, understands the deep and lasting impact of terrorism, having suffered decades of cross-border attacks. Patel expressed India’s appreciation for the strong international support following the Pahalgam incident, calling it proof of global resolve against terrorism.

She underscored the importance of initiatives like VoTAN in strengthening the international response to terrorism and ensuring that victims are supported and heard.

“India believes that initiatives like VoTAN are essential to strengthening the global response to terrorism, ensuring that victims remain at the centre of our collective efforts,” she added.