India Calls Out Pakistan for Misusing UN Platforms

India has strongly criticized Pakistan for misusing United Nations platforms to push its “divisive agenda.” This reaction came after Pakistan’s envoy raised the issue of Jammu and Kashmir in the General Assembly, prompting a firm response from India.

Eldos Mathew Punnoose, Counsellor in the Permanent Mission of India to the UN, emphasized that the right to self-determination should not be exploited to promote secession in democratic states. He called out Pakistan for persistently using UN platforms to advance its divisive agenda, including making unwarranted references to Jammu and Kashmir, which India considers an integral part of its territory.

Punnoose highlighted that while the right to self-determination is a fundamental principle, it should not be misused to encourage secession in pluralistic societies. He urged Pakistan to refrain from baseless allegations and falsehoods and to present a more realistic picture of the situation.

India’s response was triggered by Pakistan’s Permanent Representative to the UN, Ambassador Asim Iftikhar Ahmad, mentioning Jammu and Kashmir in his remarks at the General Assembly. Despite Pakistan’s repeated efforts to raise the issue, it has not gained much support from the international community.

Furthermore, Punnoose emphasized the unique developmental challenges faced by the Global South, particularly in areas such as development financing and climate justice. India has consistently advocated for these issues across various UN platforms, calling for concrete actions to address the concerns of developing countries.

Reflecting on the current state of the United Nations, Punnoose underscored the organization’s critical role in maintaining peace and security, promoting development, and upholding human rights. He pointed out that the UN’s effectiveness, legitimacy, and credibility are essential for addressing global conflicts and ensuring the well-being of all people.

As conflicts continue to impact different parts of the world, there is a growing expectation for the UN to intervene purposefully and alleviate human suffering. India emphasized the need for the UN to fulfill its mandate across all three pillars – peace and security, development, and human rights – to meet the expectations of the global community.

In conclusion, India’s stance at the UN reflects its commitment to upholding the principles of democracy, sovereignty, and inclusivity. By addressing the misuse of UN platforms and advocating for the concerns of developing countries, India aims to contribute to a more equitable and just international system.