Jammu and Kashmir: India Pushes Back Against Pakistan’s Use of UN Platforms Over
Jammu and Kashmir: India delivered a firm and measured response at the United Nations after Pakistan once again attempted to internationalize the issue of Jammu and Kashmir during deliberations at the General Assembly. Emphasizing respect for international principles, democratic values, and institutional integrity, India rejected what it described as the misuse of UN forums for advancing a narrow and divisive political agenda. The statement reinforced India’s long-standing position that Jammu and Kashmir is an integral part of the country and that repeated references by Pakistan do not align with ground realities or the spirit of multilateral cooperation.
India’s Response at the United Nations
Speaking at the General Assembly, India’s representative, Eldos Mathew Punnoose, Counsellor at the Permanent Mission of India, criticized Pakistan for repeatedly raising the Kashmir issue in international forums. He noted that at a time when the global community is expected to cooperate on pressing challenges, such actions distract from constructive dialogue. According to India, UN platforms should be used to foster consensus, peace, and development rather than amplify political disputes that have already been addressed through established legal and constitutional processes.
Position on Jammu and Kashmir
India reiterated that Jammu and Kashmir is an inseparable part of the Indian Union. Any reference to the region by external actors, especially in multilateral settings, was termed unwarranted and misleading. The Indian side emphasized that constitutional changes undertaken in the region are internal matters, carried out within the framework of democracy and the rule of law. By repeatedly questioning these decisions, Pakistan, India argued, continues to project a narrative that is detached from reality and unsupported by the international community.
Self-Determination and Democratic Principles
Addressing the broader principle of self-determination, India acknowledged that it is a foundational concept enshrined in the UN Charter. However, the statement underlined that this principle must not be distorted to justify secessionist agendas within pluralistic and democratic societies. India stressed that democratic systems provide mechanisms for representation, participation, and reform, making external interference both unnecessary and counterproductive. Misuse of such principles, it warned, undermines the credibility of international norms themselves.
Pakistan’s Repeated References and Global Response
The rebuttal followed remarks made by Pakistan’s Permanent Representative to the UN, Asim Iftikhar Ahmad, who once again brought up Jammu and Kashmir during the session. India pointed out that despite repeated attempts, Pakistan has failed to gain meaningful international support on the issue. Most UN member states, India observed, prefer bilateral dialogue and adherence to existing agreements rather than politicization of multilateral platforms.
Focus on the Global South
Beyond responding to Pakistan, India used the opportunity to highlight concerns of the Global South. According to India, developing nations face interconnected challenges related to development financing, climate justice, and equitable access to resources. India has consistently sought to amplify these voices across UN mechanisms, urging for focused follow-up actions rather than rhetorical commitments. The call was for translating shared concerns into practical and measurable outcomes that directly benefit vulnerable populations.
The United Nations at a Crossroads
India’s statement also reflected on the current state of the United Nations itself. As the world’s largest multilateral organization, the UN is navigating a complex period marked by geopolitical tensions, economic uncertainty, and humanitarian crises. India emphasized that global citizens expect the organization to effectively deliver on its three core pillars: peace and security, development, and human rights. Failure to do so risks eroding trust in multilateralism.
Peace, Security, and Institutional Credibility
Highlighting ongoing conflicts across various regions, India expressed concern over the UN’s limited ability to intervene decisively in maintaining international peace and security. This, it noted, raises legitimate questions about the organization’s efficacy, legitimacy, and credibility. As human suffering continues in conflict zones, the expectation remains that the UN must act with unity and resolve to prevent further loss and instability.
Looking Ahead
India concluded by calling for renewed commitment to multilateral cooperation rooted in realism, respect for sovereignty, and constructive engagement. It urged member states to move beyond divisive rhetoric and focus on collective solutions to shared global challenges. According to India, only through responsible participation and adherence to foundational principles can the United Nations remain relevant and effective in an increasingly complex world.