Geneva – In a forceful display of diplomatic assertiveness, India has delivered a sharp rebuke to Pakistan at the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC), denouncing it as a “failed state surviving on handouts.” The Indian representative’s remarks, delivered during the 58th session of the UNHRC, underscored the deepening rift between the two neighboring nations.
The core of India’s condemnation focused on Pakistan’s persistent attempts to raise the issue of Jammu and Kashmir at international forums. Indian diplomat Kshitij Tyagi, representing India’s Permanent Mission to the UN in Geneva, dismissed Pakistan’s allegations of human rights violations in the region as “baseless and malicious.”
Here’s a breakdown of the key points from India’s response:
- “Failed State” Accusation:
- India’s most striking accusation was that Pakistan is a “failed state that thrives on instability and survives on international handouts.” This strong language reflects India’s growing frustration with Pakistan’s perceived inability to address its internal challenges.
- Tyagi stated that, “It is unfortunate that this Council’s time continues to be wasted by a failed state that thrives on instability and survives on international handouts.”
- Reaffirmation of Jammu and Kashmir’s Status:
- India reiterated its unwavering stance that Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh are “integral and inalienable” parts of India.
- The Indian representative highlighted the “unprecedented political, social, and economic progress” in the region, emphasizing the government’s commitment to restoring normalcy after decades of “Pakistan-sponsored terrorism.”
- Condemnation of Pakistan’s Human Rights Record:
- India turned the tables on Pakistan, accusing it of egregious human rights abuses, including the persecution of minorities and the “systematic erosion of democratic values.”
- India also accused Pakistan of “brazenly harboring UN-sanctioned terrorists,” further undermining its credibility on human rights issues.
- Criticism of Pakistan’s Use of the OIC:
- India also strongly criticised Pakistan for abusing the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) as a “propaganda mouthpiece”.
- Call for Pakistan to Focus on Internal Issues:
- India urged Pakistan to abandon its “unhealthy obsession” with India and instead focus on addressing its own internal governance failures and providing justice to its citizens.
- The Indian diplomat stated that “Instead of its unhealthy obsession with India, Pakistan should focus on providing actual governance and justice to its own people.”
- Hypocrisy charge:
- Indian diplomats charged that Pakistan’s “rhetoric reeks of hypocrisy, its actions of inhumanity, and its governance of incompetence.”
Context and Significance:
This exchange at the UNHRC underscores the enduring tensions between India and Pakistan. The issue of Jammu and Kashmir remains a major point of contention, with both countries holding diametrically opposed positions.
India’s strong response reflects its determination to counter Pakistan’s narrative on the international stage. By labeling Pakistan a “failed state,” India aims to highlight its internal weaknesses and undermine its credibility.
The timing of these remarks is also significant, as they come amid ongoing global scrutiny of human rights issues.
The UNHRC provides a platform for countries to raise concerns about human rights violations, and India’s forceful intervention demonstrates its willingness to engage actively in these discussions.
In conclusion, India’s sharp rebuke to Pakistan at the UNHRC has further intensified the already strained relationship between the two nations. The exchange highlights the deep divisions that persist and underscores the challenges to achieving lasting peace and stability in the region.