External Affairs
India rebukes Pakistan at UN, warns against misuse of self-determination to push secession
India strongly criticised Pakistan at the United Nations General Assembly for repeatedly raising the issue of Jammu and Kashmir, accusing Islamabad of misusing UN platforms to further its “divisive agenda.” Responding to remarks made by Pakistan’s envoy, India asserted that the right to self-determination cannot be distorted to encourage secession in democratic and pluralistic societies.
Counsellor at India’s Permanent Mission to the UN, Eldos Mathew Punnoose, said Pakistan continues to make unwarranted references to Jammu and Kashmir, which he described as an “integral and inalienable part of India.” Addressing the UN General Assembly during a plenary session on the Secretary-General’s report, Punnoose said Pakistan’s statements were detached from reality and based on baseless allegations.
While acknowledging that self-determination is a principle enshrined in the UN Charter, India stressed that it must not be misused as a political tool to undermine sovereign states. Punnoose urged Pakistan to refrain from spreading false narratives and to act responsibly on international platforms.
India also highlighted broader global challenges, particularly those faced by the Global South, including development financing and climate justice. Punnoose said India has consistently raised these concerns at the UN and called for concrete action rather than rhetoric.
Emphasising the need for reforms, India said the United Nations is at a critical juncture, facing questions over its credibility and effectiveness, especially in maintaining international peace and security amid ongoing global conflicts.
