During a United Nations debate on peacekeeping reforms, Pakistan made repeated references to Jammu and Kashmir, which India categorically rejected as “unwarranted” and reiterated that the area “was, is, and will always be an integral part of India.” India’s Permanent Representative to the UN, Ambassador Parvathaneni Harish, denounced Pakistan for trying to deflect attention from important peacekeeping talks by restating claims over Jammu and Kashmir, which he said do not support Pakistan’s unlawful claims or excuse its state-sponsored terrorism.
Harish underlined that Pakistan has to leave Jammu and Kashmir since it is unlawfully occupying parts of the region. He warned Pakistan against using the UN platform for its “parochial and divisive agenda” and made it plain that India will not permit its sovereignty to be questioned in international fora. India decided not to respond in-depth but instead restated its stance, declaring that it will not exercise a more complex Right of Reply.
Along with discussing the Kashmir problem, India emphasised how UN peacekeeping operations must change to meet contemporary dangers, such as those posed by armed groups and non-state actors. Harish emphasised the significance of women’s involvement in peacekeeping missions and demanded sufficient financing for them. He emphasised the vital role that women play in peacekeeping operations and cited India’s recent proposal to host a conference for women peacekeepers from the Global South.
In addition, India reaffirmed its support for UN peacekeeping and demanded that the Security Council be reformed to properly reflect the geopolitical landscape of today.
