India on Tuesday stepped up its attack against Pakistan at the United Nations after Islamabad raised the Kashmir issue and the ongoing dispute over the Indus Waters.
Marking the 80th anniversary of the UN, India’s ambassador Parvathaneni Harish said that states violating the principle of “good neighbourliness” by fomenting cross-border terrorism “must bear a serious cost.”
“The Indian Sub-Continent offers a stark contrast in terms of progress, prosperity and development models,” Harish said, responding to remarks made earlier by Pakistan’s representative.
“On the one hand, there is India which is a mature democracy, a surging economy and a pluralistic and inclusive society. At the other extreme is Pakistan, steeped in fanaticism and terrorism, and a serial borrower from the IMF.”
Harish also issued a strong message on the need for accountability in terror cases, referencing the April 22 terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, in which 26 civilians were killed.
“Consequent to the gruesome terrorist attack in Pahalgam… and based on the Council Statement of 25 April… India launched Operation Sindoor targeting terrorist camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoJK), which was focused, measured, and non-escalatory in nature. On achieving its primary objectives, a cessation of military activities was directly concluded at the request of Pakistan,” Harish added.
The action, carried out on May 7, came amid heightened tensions between the two neighbours. Cross-border firings were reported during the operation, but hostilities ended three days later on May 10. India clarified that it agreed to the ceasefire at Pakistan’s direct request, following public claims by US President Donald Trump of mediating peace between the two nations.
Highlighting the transformation in the nature of modern conflicts, Harish said, “In the recent decades, the nature of conflicts has transformed, with a proliferation of non-state actors, often propped up as proxies by state actors; and cross-border funding, arms trafficking, training of terrorists, and spread of radical ideologies, facilitated by modern digital and communication technologies.”
“As we complete 80 years of the United Nations, it is a useful moment to reflect on how far the spirit of multilateralism and peaceful settlement of disputes as enshrined in the UN Charter has been realized,” he noted.
The Ambassador reaffirmed India’s commitment to international peace and stability. “India is a responsible actor, and a founding member of the United Nations as always actively engaged constructively with partners, especially at the United Nations, in collectively working towards a more peaceful, prosperous, and just and equitable world.”
Harish also underscored India’s longstanding contributions to the UN. “India is the largest cumulative contributor to UN Peacekeeping forces and a pioneer in promoting women in peacekeeping.”
Stressing that “national ownership and consent of parties are central to any efforts to achieve peaceful resolution of conflicts,” the Indian envoy concluded, “India remains committed to working towards international peace and security through multilateralism and peaceful settlement of disputes.”
He also flagged growing concerns about the UN’s functioning: “We are at a time, where there are growing doubts about the multilateral system, especially the United Nations,” Harish said, pointing to “serious question marks over the representativeness of the UN Security Council.”
In addition, the Union Minister of State for Civil Aviation, Murlidhar Mohol saying, Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) restricting Pakistani aircraft from entering Indian airspace has been officially extended until 23rd August 2025.