New York, March 25, 2025 – India strongly rejected Pakistan’s repeated references to Jammu and Kashmir at a United Nations Security Council debate on peacekeeping reforms, calling them “unwarranted.” India’s Permanent Representative to the UN, Ambassador Parvathaneni Harish, reaffirmed that the region “was, is, and will always be an integral part of India.”
Harish condemned Pakistan’s attempts to divert attention from core discussions on peacekeeping, stating that such remarks do not validate Pakistan’s claims or justify its state-sponsored cross-border terrorism. He further asserted that Pakistan itself is illegally occupying part of Jammu and Kashmir and must vacate the territory.
Rejecting Islamabad’s “parochial and divisive agenda,” Harish made it clear that India would not allow its sovereignty to be questioned on global platforms. While choosing not to exercise an elaborate Right of Reply, India firmly put forth its stance.
Shifting focus to the core peacekeeping reform discussions, India emphasized the need for modernized missions to tackle new challenges, including non-state actors and advanced weaponry. Harish also highlighted the role of troop-contributing nations in shaping UN mandates and called for adequate funding.
India reiterated its commitment to women’s participation in peacekeeping, citing its recent Global South Women Peacekeepers Conference. Harish asserted that women’s role in peacekeeping is indispensable.
India concluded by reaffirming its strong support for UN peacekeeping while calling for Security Council reforms to make it more reflective of current geopolitical realities.
