India Criticizes Pakistan at UNGA for Misusing International Platforms
India's Strong Rebuttal Against Pakistan at UNGA
On Saturday, India took a firm stance against Pakistan during the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), accusing Islamabad of misusing the UN's esteemed platforms to promote its narrow political agenda. India reiterated its position that Jammu and Kashmir is an integral and inseparable part of the nation. Addressing the UNGA session focused on the annual report of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC), India's Permanent Representative to the UN, Harish Parvataneni, effectively countered the baseless remarks made by the Pakistani representative regarding Jammu and Kashmir.
Response to Pakistan's Claims
Harish stated, "I am compelled to respond due to Pakistan's unnecessary references to India's internal matters, specifically the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir." He accused Pakistan of repeatedly utilizing international forums to spread misleading information. Furthermore, he claimed that Pakistan has misused its position as a UNSC member by disseminating false information related to issues concerning India.
Misuse of UN Platforms
He remarked, "Pakistan has once again chosen to misuse this esteemed platform for its divisive political interests. Membership in the UN Security Council comes with significant responsibilities, and it should not be used to propagate biased and false narratives."
Reaffirming India's Stance on Kashmir
Reiterating India's longstanding position, Harish emphasized that Jammu and Kashmir "was, is, and will always remain an integral part of India." He asserted that any contrary claims are against historical facts and will not alter the ground realities.
Call for UNSC Reforms
This discussion occurred during a significant dialogue on the UNSC's annual report, where India also called for reforms to make the UN's most powerful body more representative of today's global realities. Harish urged member states to consider expanding both the permanent and temporary categories of the Security Council, arguing that maintaining the current structure hinders its effectiveness. He stated, "The existing status quo has prevented the Security Council from functioning effectively and will continue to do so in the future."
India's Opposition to Pakistan's Elections in Gilgit-Baltistan
India congratulated Austria, Kyrgyzstan, Portugal, Trinidad and Tobago, and Zimbabwe on their election as temporary members of the Security Council for the 2027-28 term. Meanwhile, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) strongly opposed Pakistan's decision to hold elections for the Gilgit-Baltistan Assembly, as India considers this region part of the former princely state of Jammu and Kashmir. In a statement released on Friday, the MEA expressed its objections regarding the elections scheduled for June 7, 2026.
Firm Stance on Territorial Integrity
The ministry stated, "The Government of India has firmly opposed Pakistan's plan to conduct 'general elections' for the so-called Gilgit-Baltistan Assembly in Indian territories that Pakistan has illegally occupied." India has consistently maintained that the entirety of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh, including areas under Pakistani control, is an integral part of the country.