As part of a larger diplomatic effort to advance peace and stability across international conflict zones, the United States has reaffirmed its assertion that it was instrumental in reducing recent tensions between India and Pakistan. US Deputy Permanent Representative Ambassador Dorothy Shea emphasised Washington's dedication to multilateralism and the peaceful resolution of conflicts in her address to the United Nations Security Council (UNSC).
Speaking at an open debate hosted by Pakistan—currently presiding over the UNSC for July—Ambassador Shea highlighted the US’s diplomatic achievements. “In just the last three months, US leadership has helped facilitate de-escalations between Israel and Iran, between the Democratic Republic of Congo and Rwanda, and between India and Pakistan,” she said. “Under President Trump’s leadership, the United States played a vital role in encouraging the parties to reach these resolutions, which we fully support.”
The debate, convened under Pakistan's presidency, was chaired by Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar. Pakistan, a non-permanent member of the 15-nation Council, is holding two major events during its presidency: one on multilateralism and peaceful conflict resolution, and another on cooperation between the United Nations and the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC).
During the session, the US also issued a strong rebuke of China’s actions in the South China Sea. Condemning Beijing’s “expansive and unlawful” maritime claims, Ambassador Shea said, “We once again urge China to respect the 2016 ruling of the Arbitral Tribunal under the 1982 Law of the Sea Convention. The ruling is final and legally binding on both China and the Philippines.”
She accused China of failing to comply with the tribunal’s decision for nearly a decade, continuing to assert unlawful territorial claims that threaten the sovereign rights of South China Sea littoral states such as the Philippines, Vietnam, Brunei, Malaysia, and Indonesia. “China continues to reject the ruling, interfere with freedom of navigation, and infringe on the rights of neighbouring nations,” she added.
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India counters US narrative
India, however, has pushed back on Washington’s narrative about the recent ceasefire along the Line of Control (LoC) with Pakistan. While the Trump administration has repeatedly claimed that the US President 'helped settle' the dispute by offering incentives for peace—promising greater trade with both India and Pakistan—New Delhi has consistently refuted this version of events.
India maintains that it was Pakistan which sought the ceasefire and that the decision to halt military activities was made independently, without external mediation. India’s Permanent Representative to the UN, Ambassador Parvathaneni Harish, reiterated this during the same UNSC session. He stated that India launched Operation Sindoor, a targeted military operation against terrorist camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoJK), which was “focused, measured, and non-escalatory.”
“Upon achieving its primary objectives, India concluded the operation and agreed to a cessation of military activities solely at Pakistan’s request,” Ambassador Harish clarified.
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