India’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Ambassador Parvathaneni Harish, strongly criticized Pakistan’s attempts to spread misinformation at the United Nations Security Council, reaffirming that Jammu and Kashmir has always been and will always remain an integral part of India. His remarks came on Tuesday during the United Nations Security Council Open Debate on Practicing Multilateralism, Reforming, and Improving Global Governance, where he directly responded to comments made by Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Muhammad Ishaq Dar, who once again raised the Kashmir issue.
Parvathaneni Harish dismissed Pakistan’s rhetoric, stating that the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir has always been an inalienable part of India. He reiterated that attempts to misrepresent the facts would not alter the reality on the ground. “The Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Pakistan have referred to an integral and inalienable part of India, the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir, in his remarks. I would like to reaffirm that the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir has been, is, and will always be, an integral and inalienable part of India,” he asserted.
He further emphasized that Pakistan’s persistent misinformation campaigns do not change the democratic reality in Jammu and Kashmir. Highlighting last year’s legislative assembly elections, he pointed out that the people of Jammu and Kashmir participated in large numbers, making their choice clear. “Pakistan’s campaigns of misinformation and disinformation do not change facts on the ground. The people of Jammu and Kashmir voted in large numbers to choose their government. The choice of the people was loud and clear. Democracy in Jammu and Kashmir is vibrant and strong—unlike in Pakistan,” he said, drawing a stark contrast between the democratic processes in India and the political instability in Pakistan.
Parvathaneni Harish also took a strong stand against Pakistan’s claims of leading counterterrorism efforts, calling it the “global epicenter of terrorism.” He highlighted the contradiction in Pakistan’s stance, stating that while it claims to be at the forefront of fighting terrorism, India has been a victim of terrorism originating from Pakistan. “It is a supreme irony when Pakistan pats itself on the back as being at the forefront of the fight against terrorism. India has been a victim of terrorism perpetrated by Pakistan,” he stated.
Reaffirming India’s stance on counterterrorism, Parvathaneni Harish made it clear that no form of terrorism can ever be justified. He emphasized that terrorism should never be classified as good or bad and that political grievances cannot be used as a justification for violent acts. “There cannot be any justification for terrorism regardless of its form, type, and motive. No political grievance can justify terrorism, and the United Nations can make no distinction between good and bad terrorists,” he concluded.
The remarks by Parvathaneni Harish once again underscored India’s firm position on Jammu and Kashmir while exposing Pakistan’s continued attempts to mislead the international community on the issue. As India continues to advocate for global governance reforms and a stronger multilateral approach, it remains committed to countering false narratives and ensuring that democratic values in Jammu and Kashmir remain safeguarded.
