India Condemns Pakistan's Kashmir Remarks at UN

India denounced Pakistan's remarks on Jammu and Kashmir during a UN peacekeeping debate, asserting the region's integral status. Ambassador Parvathaneni Harish criticized Pakistan for diverting discussions and reiterated the need for Security Council reforms and the role of women in peacekeeping initiatives.

In a stern rebuke, India has categorically dismissed Pakistan's recurrent references to Jammu and Kashmir during a United Nations debate on peacekeeping reforms. Indian Ambassador to the UN, Parvathaneni Harish, termed these mentions as "unwarranted" and reiterated that the region "was, is, and will always be an integral part of India." Addressing the Security Council, Harish accused Pakistan of attempting to detract from the core discussions focused on peacekeeping reforms.

The Indian envoy highlighted Pakistan's own illegal occupation of a part of Jammu and Kashmir, urging Islamabad to vacate the territory. Asserting the country's sovereignty, Harish warned against Pakistan's efforts to exploit the forum for its "parochial and divisive agenda." India chose not to pursue a detailed rebuttal but made its stance unequivocally clear: "India will refrain from exercising a more elaborate Right of Reply," Harish stated.

Although the assembly concentrated on reforming UN peacekeeping, India utilized the platform to advocate for adapting missions to modern-day challenges. Harish emphasized the importance of troop- and police-contributing nations in shaping mandates, calling for increased funding and advocating for women's indispensable role in peacekeeping. Highlighting India's recent initiative, Harish mentioned the first-ever Conference for Women Peacekeepers from the Global South, underscoring gender inclusivity in operations. Moreover, India pushed for Security Council reforms to better represent current geopolitical dynamics.

(With inputs from agencies.)