Uri attack: PM Modi sets the agenda, Sushma to deliver diplomatic blow against Pak in UNGA

External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj is set to address the UN General Assembly on Monday. All eyes are set on her speech in which she is expected to deliver a stinging response to Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif's "tirade" on Kashmir.

Swaraj’s speech, scheduled for around 7 pm (IST), is expected to reflect the mood of the nation set by Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s speech in Kerala on Saturday and continuous efforts of an army of Indian diplomats at UNGA in New York. 

Whilst PM Modi spoke to conscious of Pakistani people and asked them to introspect over the development conditions in their nation before supporting violence against India, the diplomats have been keeping even the likes of Pakistani PM Nawaz Sharif on the edge through their strong presence in New York.

Also read: Sushma Swaraj reaches New York, to address UNGA on September 26

Let’s have a look at excerpts of the key speeches on Uri attack that reflect the mood of the nation: 

Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s reply to Pakistan on Uri attack: 

Giving his first speech after Uri attacks, PM Modi on Saturday said, "Let me tell Pakistan that the sacrifice of 18 Indian soldiers will not go to waste."

"There is one nation in Asia whose aim is to spread terrorism and is working toward ensuring that the 21st century does not belong to Asia," he said, referring to Pakistan. "Every nation is holding only one country responsible for terrorism. Only one country in Asia is a safe haven for terrorists.”

Minister of State, External Affairs Ministry, MJ Akbar on Uri attack: 

“Pakistan’s discourse has no takers in United Nations, MoS MEA MJ Akbar told media on Saturday, “India’s version stated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj was accepted by the world because it is the honest truth.”

Responding to question on Pakistan’s denial of proof of its involvement in Uri attacks, MJ Akbar said,” Sure there are at least 1-2 scientists in Pak, if they examine DNA samples (of terrorists).”

“They (Pakistan) will get proof of Pathankot and Uri attack. Pakistan can fool its own people but not the World,” he said.Earlier on Thursday, MJ Akbar said, “We cannot have prosperity without peace, and the principal threat to peace now is terrorism. The poor are the most vulnerable victims of terrorism, not least because conflict leads to devastation.” 

India’s representative at United Nations Syed Akbaruddin:

“Pakistani Prime Minister left from United Nations General Assembly with an empty bag, they got no support, whilst there is a crescendo of support against terrorism at in the international community,” said senior diplomat Akbaruddin on Friday.  

Akbaruddin said what is finding resonance among the international community is the terror threat that India is facing and not what Sharif said in his speech.

“Of the 131 nations which have spoken in the General Debate so far, 130 have not referred to the primary issue that Pakistan has raised. So what does that mean?” he asked, adding that India is gratified by the support it is getting with countries increasingly standing up and voicing their support to deal with the menace of terrorism.

First secretary at the Permanent Mission of India in New York Eenam Gambhir on Pak as ‘Ivy League for Terrorism’: 

One of the hardest hitting replies to Pakistan’s plea at United Nations came right on Day 1, and that too by a young diplomat. 

Eenam Gambhir, first secretary at the Permanent Mission of India in New York, took the floor to exercise India’s Right to Reply following a combative speech by Pakistani prime minister Nawaz Sharif accusing India of human rights violations in Indian-administered Kashmir and gave a fitting reply: 

“The land of Taxila, one of the greatest learning centres of ancient times, is now host to the Ivy League of terrorism. It attracts aspirants and apprentices from all over the world. The effect of its toxic curriculum is felt across the globe.”