Our country’s envoy to the United Nations recently underscored a fundamental truth: the first and most essential step toward meaningful engagement with Pakistan is the cessation of terrorism. This statement carries particular weight against the backdrop of Jammu and Kashmir, where we have been for long grappling with the violent consequences of cross-border terrorism, often orchestrated and supported by Pakistan-based groups. Jammu and Kashmir has endured decades of strife fueled by external aggression disguised as militancy. Since the insurgency began in the late 1980s, Pakistan has provided ideological, logistical, and financial support to extremist groups operating in the erstwhile state. Organizations such as Lashkar-e-Taiba and Jaish-e-Mohammed have thrived under this patronage, perpetuating violence that has claimed thousands of lives, displaced communities, and stymied development. These groups have also increasingly aligned themselves with global terror networks, further exacerbating the threat to regional and international stability. Our zero-tolerance policy toward terrorism is not merely a rhetorical position but a necessity dictated by years of suffering and loss. Cross-border terrorism is not just an assault on our sovereignty; it is a direct attack on the democratic rights and aspirations of the people of Jammu and Kashmir. The abrogation of Article 370 in 2019 and the subsequent integration of Jammu and Kashmir into the Indian Union were bold steps aimed at fostering development and governance. However, Pakistan’s relentless efforts to destabilize the region through terrorism have undermined these initiatives. Despite our repeated calls for dialogue, Pakistan has continued to evade its responsibility to dismantle terror networks operating from its soil. Its rhetoric of support for Kashmiri self-determination is hollow when juxtaposed with its role in creating and sustaining violence in the region. Genuine peace cannot be achieved as long as terrorism remains a state policy, whether overt or covert. The stance by the country at the United Nations is a call for accountability. The international community must recognize that terrorism is not a bilateral issue but a global menace that requires a united response. Countries that harbor and sponsor terror groups must face tangible consequences, including diplomatic isolation and economic sanctions. For any meaningful engagement between India and Pakistan, trust must be built on the foundation of peace. Pakistan must demonstrate its commitment to this process by taking verifiable steps to dismantle terror networks and end its support for militancy in Jammu and Kashmir. Only then can the region hope to move beyond the shadows of violence toward a future of stability and cooperation.