Daijiworld Media Network – New Delhi
New Delhi, May 27: India has delivered a strong message to Pakistan at the United Nations Security Council (UNSC), asserting that Islamabad must face the consequences of its continued support for cross-border terrorism.
India’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Ambassador Parvathaneni Harish, made the remarks during the UNSC Open Debate on “Upholding the Purposes and Principles of the UN Charter and Strengthening the UN-Centred International Framework.”
Addressing the high-level forum, Harish accused Pakistan of consistently nurturing extremist elements and promoting terrorism directed against India. He stressed that India retains the sovereign right to defend itself against such threats.
“Pakistan will have to accept that there are consequences to its sponsorship of cross-border terrorism,” the Indian envoy stated.
Harish said Pakistan’s policy of encouraging terrorism, radicalisation and anti-India propaganda had continued since its creation. Referring to Pakistan’s long-standing doctrine of “bleeding India by a thousand cuts”, he said the country’s actions exposed the contradiction between its rhetoric and actual conduct regarding the UN Charter.
He further accused Pakistan of repeatedly violating principles of sovereignty and peaceful coexistence through wars, unprovoked aggression and support for terror activities.
India’s sharp response at the United Nations came shortly after Pakistan raised the issue of Jammu and Kashmir once again.
Earlier, India had strongly rejected references to Jammu and Kashmir made in a joint statement issued by China and Pakistan.
Responding to media queries, Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal reiterated that Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh are integral and inalienable parts of India.
He said no external party had any locus standi to comment on matters related to the Union Territories.
India also opposed attempts to legitimise Pakistan’s illegal occupation of territories linked to the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), stating that its concerns had been conveyed repeatedly to both Pakistan and China.
Ambassador Harish also reminded the international community that independent India had faced cross-border aggression from Pakistan soon after Independence, when attempts were made to seize territories that had legally acceded to India.
He reiterated that Pakistan must permanently end terrorism and stop using radical groups as instruments of state policy.