India has firmly rejected Pakistan’s repeated references to Jammu and Kashmir at the United Nations (UN), calling them “unwarranted” and emphasizing that the region is an integral part of India. The strong response came during a Security Council debate on peacekeeping reforms, where India’s Permanent Representative to the UN, Ambassador Parvathaneni Harish, condemned Pakistan’s attempts to derail discussions by bringing up the Kashmir issue.
Background of the Incident
The controversy unfolded when Syed Tariq Fatemi, Special Assistant to the Pakistani Prime Minister, brought up Jammu and Kashmir during a discussion on UN peacekeeping reforms. In response, Harish criticized Pakistan’s persistent “unwarranted remarks” and reiterated that such claims neither validate Pakistan’s “illegal occupation” nor justify its “state-sponsored cross-border terrorism.”
Harish asserted that Pakistan continues to illegally occupy parts of Jammu and Kashmir and must vacate them. He emphasized that India will not allow its sovereignty to be questioned on global platforms and urged Pakistan to avoid using international forums for its “parochial and divisive agenda.”
India’s Position on UN Peacekeeping Reforms
While responding to Pakistan’s remarks, India also focused on the broader agenda of the Security Council session—reforming UN peacekeeping operations. Harish highlighted the need to adapt peacekeeping missions to modern threats, including non-state actors and new-age weaponry. He stressed the importance of troop- and police-contributing countries in shaping mandates and called for increased funding to ensure effective operations.
Additionally, India reaffirmed its commitment to gender inclusivity in peacekeeping. Harish cited India’s leadership in organizing the first-ever Conference for Women Peacekeepers from the Global South as an example of the nation’s proactive role in global security efforts.
To conclude we can say that the incident underscores India’s unwavering stance on Jammu and Kashmir, rejecting Pakistan’s claims while reaffirming its sovereignty. India remains committed to advocating for UN peacekeeping reforms and a more representative Security Council that aligns with current geopolitical realities. At the same time, it continues to push for a peaceful and terrorism-free regional environment for future engagement with Pakistan.
(With inputs from agencies)
