India, May 21 : At the United Nations Security Council, India strongly criticised Pakistan for what it described as a “long-tainted” history of genocidal acts and violence against civilians, responding sharply after Islamabad raised the issue of Jammu and Kashmir during a high-level debate on civilian protection in armed conflicts.
India’s Permanent Representative to the UN, Harish Parvathaneni, made the remarks during the UNSC Open Debate on the protection of civilians in war zones held at the UN headquarters in New York City on May 21.
Parvathaneni said it was ironic that Pakistan chose to comment on India’s internal matters despite its own record of violence and military actions targeting civilians. He accused Islamabad of repeatedly attempting to divert attention from its domestic failures through aggressive actions beyond its borders.
India Raises Afghanistan Airstrike Issue
During his address, the Indian envoy referred to Pakistan’s alleged airstrike on the Omid Addiction Treatment Hospital in Kabul earlier this year. According to India, the strike occurred during the holy month of Ramadan and resulted in heavy civilian casualties.
Citing findings by the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan, Parvathaneni stated that hundreds of civilians were killed and injured in the attack, which allegedly targeted a non-military facility.
He described the incident as a “cowardly and unconscionable act” and said the strike took place shortly after evening prayers when civilians were leaving a nearby mosque.
The Indian diplomat argued that Pakistan’s actions contradicted its claims of supporting international law and civilian protection.
Reference To 1971 Operation Searchlight
India also referred to historical events linked to Operation Searchlight in 1971, the military crackdown launched by Pakistan’s army in the then East Pakistan, now Bangladesh.
Parvathaneni alleged that the operation involved widespread atrocities, including violence against civilians and women. He said the events reflected a broader pattern of state-backed aggression and repression.
The remarks added further intensity to the exchange between the two neighboring countries at the UN forum.
Diplomatic Tensions Continue
The latest confrontation at the UNSC highlights continuing diplomatic tensions between India and Pakistan over regional security issues and cross-border allegations.
India reiterated its position that Jammu and Kashmir remains an internal matter and criticised Pakistan for repeatedly internationalising the issue at global platforms.
Parvathaneni concluded by saying that the international community could see through what he called Pakistan’s propaganda and attempts to shift focus from its own record.
The debate at the Security Council was primarily focused on protecting civilians in conflict zones, humanitarian law and accountability during armed confrontations. However, the exchange between India and Pakistan once again brought South Asian geopolitical tensions into the spotlight at the United Nations.