India gave a befitting response to Pakistan on Wednesday after it raised the Kashmir issue during the discussion of Russia at the UN General Assembly.
Pakistani diplomat Munir Akram attempted to make a connection between the two crises when he discussed the UNGA vote on the Russia-Ukraine war and the Kashmir issue.
In a strongly worded response, India’s Permanent Representative to the UN, Ruchira Kamboj, said, “We have witnessed, unsurprisingly, yet again, an attempt by one delegation to misuse this forum and make frivolous and pointless remarks against my country.”
Such a statement, according to the Indian diplomat, should be met with universal disdain from a mentality that frequently spreads lies.
To set the record straight, Kamboj said, “entire territory of Jammu and Kashmir is and will always be an integral part of India… We call on Pakistan to stop cross-border terrorism so our citizens can enjoy their right to life and liberty.”
Prior to this, the UNGA passed a resolution denouncing Russia’s takeover of the four regions of Ukraine. Five members abstained, leaving 143 in favour of the measure. A total of 35 nations, including India, voted against the resolution.
India expressed its grave worry at the intensification of the crisis in Ukraine, especially the targeting of civilian infrastructure and human casualties, on Wednesday after choosing to abstain on the UNGA resolution denouncing Russia.
The most recent resolution denounces Russia’s “attempted illegal annexations” of the four regions of Ukraine after “so-called referendums,” which came after Russia vetoed a comparable measure in the Security Council.
Ambassador Kamboj explained the vote to the member states, stating that India has consistently argued that no solution can be reached at the expense of human life and that escalating conflicts are not in anyone’s best interests.
“We have urged that all efforts be made for an immediate cessation of hostilities and an urgent return to the path of dialogue and diplomacy,” she said.