UNSC Membership Carries Global Responsibility, Not Space for False Narratives: India to Pakistan
New Delhi stresses that UN platforms must be used responsibly, rejects Islamabad’s remarks on Jammu & Kashmir, and renews demand for comprehensive reforms in the UN Security Council.
United Nations, Jun 6: India strongly countered Pakistan’s remarks on Jammu and Kashmir at the United Nations General Assembly, asserting that the Union Territory remains an inseparable part of the country and cautioning against the misuse of international forums for political agendas.
Responding during discussions on the Annual Report of the UN Security Council, India’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Ambassador Parvathaneni Harish, objected to Pakistan’s comments regarding Jammu and Kashmir. He described the reference as unnecessary and reiterated New Delhi’s long-standing position that matters relating to the region are entirely internal to India.
The Indian envoy criticized Islamabad for repeatedly attempting to raise bilateral issues at various UN forums, saying such actions divert attention from the intended purpose of multilateral institutions. He emphasized that membership in the Security Council carries significant responsibilities and should be exercised with objectivity and respect for established facts.
Harish stated that attempts to project misleading narratives do not contribute to constructive international dialogue. He maintained that Jammu and Kashmir has always been an integral part of India and that claims challenging this position lack historical and factual basis.
India further noted that repeated references to domestic matters by Pakistan reflect a pattern of using global platforms for narrow political objectives rather than addressing broader international concerns. According to the Indian representative, responsible participation in the Security Council requires adherence to principles that strengthen the credibility and effectiveness of the United Nations system.
During his intervention, Harish also highlighted the need for substantial reforms within the UN Security Council. He argued that the current structure of the Council reflects geopolitical realities from the mid-twentieth century and no longer adequately represents contemporary global dynamics.
He pointed out that the limited expansion undertaken decades ago only increased the number of non-permanent members and failed to address deeper structural issues affecting the Council’s effectiveness. India reiterated that meaningful reform should include expansion in both permanent and non-permanent categories to make the body more representative, transparent and capable of addressing modern challenges.
India has consistently advocated comprehensive Security Council reforms alongside the G4 grouping comprising Brazil, Germany and Japan. The group supports enlarging the Council to better reflect current global realities and enhance the participation of developing nations in international decision-making processes.
The Security Council presently consists of fifteen members, including five permanent members with veto powers and ten non-permanent members elected for two-year terms. Pakistan is currently serving as a non-permanent member of the Council, while India last held a seat during the 2021-22 term.
The latest exchange at the United Nations once again underscored the continuing differences between India and Pakistan over Jammu and Kashmir, while also drawing attention to New Delhi’s broader campaign for reforms aimed at modernizing the UN’s most powerful decision-making body.
