At UN, India Says Rebranding Massacre as Military Operation Cannot Shield Culprits

UNITED NATIONS, June 9: India launched a strong criticism of Pakistan at the United Nations Security Council, accusing Islamabad of violating Afghanistan’s sovereignty through military actions, promoting anti-India narratives, and obstructing Afghanistan’s economic connectivity.

Addressing a Security Council session on the situation in Afghanistan, India’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Ambassador Harish Parvathaneni, expressed concern over Pakistan’s actions, saying they have contributed to instability and hardship in the region.

India Raises Concern Over Afghan Civilian Suffering

The Indian envoy highlighted the humanitarian impact of military operations conducted inside Afghanistan, stating that such actions have resulted in significant civilian casualties and increased suffering among ordinary Afghans.

He stressed that attacks carried out across international borders undermine the principles of sovereignty and territorial integrity and pose a serious challenge to regional peace and security. Referring to casualty figures reported by the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA), Parvathaneni noted that hundreds of civilians were killed or injured during the first quarter of the year.

According to India, violence carried out during the holy month of Ramadan makes the situation particularly disturbing and raises serious questions about the commitment to humanitarian values.

Sharp Response to Pakistan’s Security Narrative

During his intervention, Parvathaneni rejected attempts to justify civilian deaths under the guise of counter-terrorism operations. He argued that military actions resulting in widespread civilian harm cannot be legitimised through official terminology or security arguments.

India also accused Pakistan of adopting double standards by invoking principles of international law and religious solidarity while simultaneously carrying out actions that, according to New Delhi, contradict those principles.

The envoy remarked that shifting responsibility for internal challenges onto neighbouring countries has become a recurring pattern and would not withstand international scrutiny.

India Rejects ‘Fitna al-Hindustan’ Reference

A major portion of India’s statement focused on Pakistan’s reported directive encouraging official institutions to describe certain groups as “Fitna al-Hindustan.”

Parvathaneni described the move as an attempt to institutionalise misinformation and create hostility toward India through the use of religious terminology. He alleged that such narratives are designed to divert public attention from Pakistan’s domestic political and economic difficulties.

According to India, the campaign reflects a broader effort to sustain anti-India sentiment and maintain internal political control rather than address pressing governance challenges.

Constitutional Amendment Also Mentioned

The Indian diplomat also referred to recent constitutional developments in Pakistan, arguing that growing military influence in governance has become increasingly visible.

He suggested that recent political decisions have strengthened the military establishment’s role in national affairs, describing them as evidence of deeper structural issues within Pakistan’s political system.

Trade Restrictions on Afghanistan Criticised

India further accused Pakistan of restricting Afghanistan’s access to regional markets by limiting transit facilities for Afghan traders.

Parvathaneni argued that such measures disproportionately affect a landlocked country that depends heavily on transit routes for economic activity. He maintained that these restrictions contradict international commitments designed to support developing countries without direct access to seaports.

Highlighting India’s own engagement with Afghanistan, the envoy said New Delhi continues to provide duty-free access for Afghan exports and has facilitated trade through dedicated air cargo links. He also pointed to long-term business visas issued to Afghan entrepreneurs as part of efforts to strengthen economic cooperation.

Defence of UN Reporting Mechanisms

Responding to criticism from Pakistan regarding UN assessments on Afghanistan, India defended the work of United Nations institutions and emphasised the importance of respecting multilateral processes.

Parvathaneni stated that support for the United Nations should be consistent and not selective, underscoring the need for member states to engage constructively with international mechanisms.

Call for United Action Against Terrorism

Concluding his remarks, the Indian representative reiterated New Delhi’s commitment to combating terrorism in all forms. He stressed that the international community must cooperate to counter extremist organisations operating across borders and prevent them from threatening regional and global security.

India called for stronger international coordination to dismantle terrorist networks and their support structures, saying collective action remains essential for ensuring long-term peace and stability in the region.