New York, September 28, 2024: India strongly responded at the United Nations General Assembly after Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif raised the issue of Jammu and Kashmir during his address. Exercising its Right of Reply, India accused Pakistan of using cross-border terrorism as a tool against neighbouring countries and warned that such actions would have consequences.
Indian diplomat Bhavika Mangalanandan said Pakistan had a long record of employing terrorism and referred to attacks targeting India, including the Parliament and Mumbai. She also accused Pakistan of using terrorism to disrupt elections in Jammu and Kashmir. India reiterated that Jammu and Kashmir is an integral and inalienable part of the country and said Pakistan has no right to interfere in the matter.
The Indian representative said Pakistan should realise that continued cross-border terrorism against India would “inevitably invite consequences.” New Delhi also rejected Pakistan’s criticism of India’s internal affairs and disputed Islamabad’s narrative on Kashmir.
The exchange followed Sharif’s UNGA speech, in which he raised Kashmir and criticised India’s policies. The Pakistani government has separately maintained that Pakistan itself faces externally sponsored terrorism, while India has repeatedly rejected allegations of supporting militant activity in Pakistan.
The statements highlighted the continuing diplomatic dispute between the two countries over terrorism and Kashmir at the United Nations.
