India Rejects Pakistan’s Terror Allegations at UNSC, Calls Islamabad ‘Global Epicentre of Terrorism’
United Nations, February 19, 2025: India firmly rejected Pakistan’s allegations on Jammu and Kashmir at the United Nations Security Council (UNSC), accusing Islamabad of being the “global epicentre of terrorism” and sponsoring cross-border violence.
The sharp exchange occurred during an open debate on “Practicing Multilateralism, Reforming, and Improving Global Governance,” chaired by China. India’s Permanent Representative to the UN, Parvathaneni Harish, strongly rebutted remarks by Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mohammed Ishaq Dar, who accused India of human rights violations in Kashmir.
India’s Strong Response to Pakistan’s Claims
Pakistan’s representative called Jammu and Kashmir an “open wound” and accused India of denying the region’s right to self-determination.
Responding to these accusations, Harish stated:
“Pakistan harbors more than 20 UN-listed terrorist entities and provides state support to cross-border terrorism. It is a supreme irony that Pakistan claims to fight terrorism when its soil is home to groups like Jaish-e-Mohammed and Harkat-ul-Mujahideen, responsible for attacks on India.”
He further dismissed Pakistan’s statements as an “attempt to peddle falsehoods,” emphasizing that Jammu and Kashmir is an integral part of India, and Islamabad’s claims had no legal or diplomatic standing.
Highlighting Pakistan’s Terror Links
Harish pointed out that multiple Pakistan-based terror groups have been designated under the UNSC 1267 Sanctions Committee, yet Islamabad continues to shield them. India urged the international community to take a firm stance against state-sponsored terrorism.
“No political grievance can justify acts of terror against innocent civilians. The global community must reject any distinction between so-called good and bad terrorists,” Harish asserted.
Democracy and Development in Jammu & Kashmir
India rejected Pakistan’s claims of “foreign occupation,” highlighting the successful assembly elections in Jammu and Kashmir, where a record voter turnout demonstrated the region’s democratic engagement.
“The people of Jammu & Kashmir have spoken through the ballot. Democracy in Jammu and Kashmir is vibrant and strong—unlike in Pakistan,” Harish said.
China’s Role in Blocking Counterterrorism Efforts
India also criticized China’s repeated moves to block its proposals to blacklist Pakistan-based terrorists at the UN, accusing Beijing of shielding terror elements for strategic reasons.
India’s Stand on Global Security
Reaffirming its commitment to counterterrorism, India stressed that true multilateralism cannot function if nations protect terrorists for geopolitical gains.
As global governance reforms remain a key topic at the UNSC, India emphasized that terrorism must be countered without double standards, urging a collective global response to tackle the menace.
Inputs from agencies.
***
