United Nations, Jan 16: India on Thursday strongly criticised Pakistan for misusing United Nations platforms to advance what it called a “divisive agenda,” after Islamabad once again raised the issue of Jammu and Kashmir during the UN General Assembly.
Responding to Pakistan’s remarks, Counsellor at India’s Permanent Mission to the UN, Eldos Mathew Punnoose, said the right to self-determination should not be distorted to promote secession in pluralistic and democratic societies.
“At a time when member states must rise above narrow considerations, Pakistan continues to misuse UN platforms and processes to push its divisive agenda,” Punnoose said while delivering India’s national statement during the General Assembly plenary debate on the Report of the Secretary-General on the work of the Organisation.
He rejected Pakistan’s reference to Jammu and Kashmir, stating that the Union Territory is “an integral and inalienable part of India,” and described Islamabad’s claims as “unwarranted” and detached from reality.
“The right to self-determination is a fundamental principle enshrined in the UN Charter. However, this right must not be abused to encourage secession in pluralistic and democratic states,” Punnoose said, adding that Pakistan should refrain from making “baseless allegations and falsehoods.”
India’s response followed remarks by Pakistan’s Permanent Representative to the UN, Ambassador Asim Iftikhar Ahmad, who raised the Kashmir issue during his address. Pakistan has repeatedly attempted to internationalise the matter at the UN, but has failed to gain broader international support.
Punnoose also highlighted the developmental priorities of the Global South, pointing to challenges related to development financing and climate justice. He said India has consistently worked to bring these concerns to the forefront across UN platforms and called for concrete follow-up action.
“Moving forward, there is a need to translate the sentiments of the Global South into tangible and meaningful steps,” he said.
Reflecting on the UN’s broader role, Punnoose noted that the organisation is at a critical juncture, facing multiple global crises. He stressed that people around the world expect the UN to deliver effectively on its three core pillars—peace and security, development, and human rights.
India further underlined that the UN’s inability to act decisively, particularly on issues of international peace and security, raises concerns about its credibility and legitimacy. “As conflicts rage across different parts of the globe, the world looks to the UN to put an end to human suffering and misery,” Punnoose said.
