In a strong and unequivocal response, India on Tuesday dismissed Pakistan's attempt to raise the issue of Jammu and Kashmir during a United Nations Security Council debate, reaffirming the region's status as an integral part of the country.
India's Firm Rejection at UNSC Open Debate
Speaking at the UNSC Open Debate on "Leadership for Peace," India's Permanent Representative to the UN, Ambassador Harish P, countered the statement made by Pakistan's representative. He asserted that the Union Territories of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh are an integral and inalienable part of India. "They were, are, and will always remain so," the ambassador declared.
Ambassador Harish P characterised Pakistan's reference to Jammu and Kashmir as "unwarranted" and said it reflected an "obsessive focus" on harming India and its people. He further criticised Pakistan's conduct as a serving non-permanent member of the Security Council, stating that a member pursuing such a divisive agenda across all UN platforms cannot be expected to fulfil its responsibilities.
Indus Waters Treaty Suspended Over Terrorism
The Indian envoy provided a stark context for India's recent decision regarding the Indus Waters Treaty. He reminded the council that India signed the treaty 65 years ago in good faith and with a spirit of friendship. However, he accused Pakistan of violating this spirit over decades by waging three wars and sponsoring thousands of terror attacks against India.
Highlighting the human cost, Ambassador Harish P stated that tens of thousands of Indian lives have been lost to Pakistan-sponsored terrorism in the last four decades. He specifically cited the Pahalgam terror attack in April 2025, where Pakistan-sponsored terrorists carried out religion-based targeted killings of 26 innocent civilians.
"It is in this backdrop that India has finally announced that the Treaty will be held in abeyance until Pakistan, which is a global epicentre of terror, credibly and irrevocably ends its support for cross-border and all other forms of terrorism," he stated firmly.
Criticism of Pakistan's Internal Affairs and Resolve Against Terror
Beyond the bilateral disputes, the Indian ambassador also commented on Pakistan's domestic political situation. He referred to the jailing of a former prime minister, the banning of a political party, and constitutional changes granting immunity to military leadership.
Concluding his remarks, Ambassador Harish P underscored India's unwavering stance. He affirmed that India would continue to counter Pakistan-sponsored terrorism in all its forms with full resolve, leaving no room for ambiguity about India's commitment to national security.
