New York: India strongly criticised Pakistan at the United Nations on Friday after Islamabad raised the issue of Jammu and Kashmir during discussions at the UN General Assembly. New Delhi accused Pakistan of misusing international platforms to advance what it described as “biased and false narratives” and reiterated that Jammu and Kashmir is an integral part of India.
The sharp exchange took place during a session on the Annual Report of the UN Security Council, once again highlighting the long-standing differences between the two neighbouring countries over the region.
India responds to Pakistan’s remarks
India’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Parvathaneni Harish, delivered a firm response after Pakistan’s envoy referred to Jammu and Kashmir during his address to the General Assembly.
Harish said he was compelled to respond because of what he termed an “unwarranted reference” to a matter that India considers entirely internal.
“The unwarranted reference by Pakistan to a matter strictly internal to India, the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir, has compelled me to respond,” Harish said.
He accused Pakistan of repeatedly using international forums to pursue divisive political interests rather than focusing on the agenda under discussion.
‘Abuse of its presence’ at the UN
The Indian envoy further criticised Pakistan’s conduct as a member of the UN Security Council.
According to Harish, Pakistan has misused its position by circulating what he described as misleading and misinformed communications regarding Jammu and Kashmir.
“Abuse of its presence on the Security Council by Pakistan, including through the circulation of several misinformed and misleading communications, testifies to this counter-productive approach,” he said.
He also reminded Pakistan that membership of the Security Council carries significant responsibilities and should not be used to promote political narratives.
“Being a member of the UN Security Council is a huge responsibility. It is not a forum for peddling biased and false narratives,” Harish added.
Jammu and Kashmir an integral part of India
During his remarks, Harish reiterated India’s longstanding position that Jammu and Kashmir is an inseparable part of the country.
He stated that repeated statements from Pakistan would not alter what India considers a settled reality.
“Jammu and Kashmir is an integral part of India and will remain so. Empty rhetoric and hollow claims by Pakistan would not change this fundamental reality,” he said.
The Indian representative chose not to elaborate further, saying he did not wish to take up more of the General Assembly’s time on the issue.
Pakistan raises Kashmir issue
The response came after Pakistan’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Asim Iftikhar Ahmad, referred to Jammu and Kashmir during his intervention on the Annual Report of the Security Council.
Pakistan has consistently raised the Kashmir issue at various international forums, arguing that it remains an unresolved matter requiring international attention.
India, however, maintains that Jammu and Kashmir is an internal issue and has repeatedly rejected any external involvement or mediation.
India-Pakistan differences continue
The exchange reflects the continuing diplomatic tensions between India and Pakistan on the Kashmir issue.
Relations between the two countries have remained strained for years, with both sides frequently presenting their positions at international forums.
India has consistently maintained that any issues related to Jammu and Kashmir must be addressed bilaterally and in accordance with existing agreements between the two nations.
Pakistan, on the other hand, continues to seek international attention and discussion on the matter through multilateral platforms.
Conclusion
The latest verbal exchange at the United Nations underscores the enduring differences between India and Pakistan over Jammu and Kashmir. While Pakistan sought to raise the issue during a UN discussion, India responded by reaffirming that the Union Territory is an integral part of the country and criticised Islamabad for what it described as the misuse of international platforms for political purposes.