India Warns Pakistan at UNGA Against Misusing Self-Determination for Kashmir
India on Thursday strongly rebuked Pakistan at the United Nations General Assembly for attempting to exploit UN platforms to push a “divisive agenda,” after Islamabad raised the issue of Jammu and Kashmir .
Pakistan’s Permanent Representative to the UN, Ambassador Asim Iftikhar Ahmad , referred to Jammu and Kashmir , claiming that the denial of self‑determination in the region undermines peace and international law. He urged the implementation of UN resolutions and stressed the need for diplomacy and respect for the aspirations of the people. Pakistan has repeatedly raised the Kashmir issue at the UN, though such interventions have historically received limited support from the wider international community.
In response, Eldos Mathew Punnoose , Counsellor at India’s Permanent Mission to the UN , stressed that the right to self-determination, while a fundamental principle of the UN Charter , “must not be abused to encourage secession in pluralistic and democratic states.” Speaking during the plenary on the Secretary-General’s report on the work of the Organisation, he said, “At a time when member states have to rise beyond their narrow considerations, Pakistan continues to misuse all platforms and processes in the UN to drive their divisive agenda. This forum is no exception, and Pakistan made an unwarranted reference to the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir , an integral and inalienable part of India.”
Punnoose added that Pakistan’s allegations were baseless and “completely detached from reality,” highlighting that repeated references to Kashmir have not gained traction internationally. His remarks reinforced India’s longstanding position that calls for self-determination should not be used to undermine democratic and pluralistic nations (diverse).
The UN Secretariat did not issue any immediate comment on the exchange, but diplomats noted that discussions of contentious territorial issues often draw sharply worded interventions from member states. The General Assembly session continued with other agenda items, underscoring the UN’s practice of providing a platform for member states to voice concerns while not taking a position on politically sensitive bilateral disputes.
Beyond the Kashmir issue, India’s representative highlighted the unique developmental challenges faced by the Global South, spanning development financing, climate justice, and other critical areas. “India has consistently endeavoured to bring these issues to the forefront across all UN platforms. Concerted and focused follow-up action is required. Moving forward, there is a need to translate the sentiments of the Global South into concrete and tangible steps,” Punnoose said.
He also reflected on the UN’s current state, noting that “the organisation is going through a crucial phase as it faces various critical challenges. World citizenry expects the UN to deliver on each of its three pillars, peace and security, development, and human rights.” Stressing the importance of effective intervention, he added, “The UN’s inability to purposefully intervene in its critical functions raises questions of efficacy, legitimacy, and credibility, particularly in maintaining international peace and security. As conflicts rage across different parts of the globe, the world hopes the UN will act to end human suffering and misery.”
India’s firm response underscores its position that calls for self-determination should not be misused to destabilise pluralistic democracies and reflects its broader push for constructive engagement on global development and peace issues.