India’s diplomat Kshitij Tyagi rebukes Switzerland at the UNHRC, urging focus on its own human rights challenges rather than criticizing India’s minority policies (Image Credit: Key Stone)
India strongly objected to Switzerland's comments on minority rights as "surprising, shallow, and ill-informed" at the United Nations Human Rights Council's (UNHRC) 60th session held in Geneva. Indian diplomat Kshitij Tyagi, Counsellor in the Permanent Mission of India, requested that Switzerland solve its own human rights issues rather than preach to the world's largest democracy.
The exchange took place under the General Debate on the oral update by the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights on September 10. The Swiss representative had called upon India to adopt "effective measures to protect minorities and ensure the rights to freedom of expression and the press."
Speaking on behalf of India, Tyagi reiterated the country's historic commitment to pluralism, diversity, and democratic values. "As the largest, most diverse, and most vibrant democracy in the world, India stands poised to help Switzerland deal with its own challenges, such as racism, systematic discrimination, and xenophobia," he asserted.
Tyagi further noted that the UNHRC, which is chaired presently by Switzerland, must not issue unsubstantiated claims that do not represent India's reality. "It is all the more crucial for Switzerland to refrain from wasting the time of the Council with grossly false narratives," he further added.
India also retaliated against Pakistani statements, firmly criticizing the nation as a "sponsor of terror" and dismissing any human rights lessons. Tyagi drew on Pakistan's past protection of Osama bin Laden and rejected Islamabad's criticism as reused propaganda.
We have no lessons to learn from a terror sponsor, no lectures from a persecutor of minorities, and no guidance from a state that has lost its own credibility," Tyagi added, recalling India's strong position on sovereignty and global accountability.
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Tyagi’s remarks underscored India’s message that global criticism should be rooted in credibility. While welcoming constructive dialogue, India made it clear that any commentary should consider facts and the nation’s democratic framework.
The confrontation at the UNHRC reflects ongoing tensions in international human rights diplomacy, where India continues to defend its internal policies while asserting its position on global norms.
