India has denounced Pakistan’s move to bring up the Kashmir issue at the United Nations Security Council debate, calling it a “mischievous provocation” rooted in Pakistan’s “tested tactic of spreading misinformation.”
In response, India highlighted Islamabad’s own record regarding the “deplorable” conditions of women from minority communities in Pakistan.
Addressing the UNSC debate, India’s Permanent Representative to the UN in New York, Parvathaneni Harish, remarked, “It is despicable, yet entirely predictable, that one delegation has opted to indulge in mischievous provocation based on their pride and tested tactic of spreading misinformation and disinformation.”
“It’s completely misplaced to indulge in such political propaganda at this important annual debate. We are well aware that the condition of women belonging to minority communities, notably Hindus, Sikhs, and Christians in that country remains deplorable,” he added.
Harish’s comments followed remarks by Pakistan’s representative, who made references to Jammu and Kashmir during the debate.
He continued, “An estimated thousand women of these minority communities, as per data from the Human Rights Commission of that particular country, are subject to abduction, forced religious conversions, and forced marriages every year. Anyway, I could go on, but I end here.”
Highlighting India’s role at the UN, Harish emphasised the nation’s commitment to women’s empowerment, noting progress on multiple UN indicators, especially regarding women's leadership.
Citing an example of India’s commitment to UN objectives, Harish said, “In 2023, Major Radhika Sen, who served in the Democratic Republic of Congo, was awarded the UN Military Gender Advocate of the Year Award. She follows in the footsteps of her predecessor, Major Suman Gawani, who was recognised in 2019 for her service with the UN mission in South Sudan.”
He also highlighted India’s passing of the Women’s Reservation Bill in 2023, emphasising how it has empowered women in political decision-making.
Referring to the Self-Employed Women’s Association (SEWA) of Gujarat, he added, “The example of SEWA in Gujarat comes to mind. It’s a movement of self-employed women in rural and urban India. It’s also the largest trade union in the country. SEWA has pioneered the empowerment of self-employed women, providing a voice to numerous women workers in the informal industry and promoting their leadership at all levels.”
Harish reiterated India’s commitment to enhancing women’s representation in peacekeeping, sharing best practices and supporting capacity-building initiatives for women peace-builders.
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