Representatives from India and Pakistan traded mutual accusations at the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA). Pakistani Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif criticized India’s policies regarding Kashmir and water resources, while New Delhi responded with allegations of cross-border terrorism and duplicity.
Speeches and Kashmir Dispute
During his address to the General Assembly, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif called for what he described as a just and fair resolution to the Kashmir dispute, alleging human rights violations within the region. Sharif also addressed military clashes that occurred last year between the neighboring countries, characterizing them as external aggression originating from India under a false pretext.
Pakistan maintains that Indian missile strikes on May 7 marked the beginning of a low-level conflict that lasted under a week. In contrast, India asserts that those strikes were carried out in retaliation for an attack in Indian-administered Jammu and Kashmir that took place in April of last year. Furthermore, Sharif accused New Delhi of weaponizing water, stating that India’s decision to hold the Indus Waters Treaty in abeyance lacked legal backing.
India’s Response and Counter-Allegations
India firmly rejected the remarks made by the Pakistani prime minister. Petal Gahlot, First Secretary at India’s UN mission, accused Islamabad of terrorism, deceit, and duplicity, warning that Pakistan’s continued support for cross-border terrorism would carry consequences.
Gahlot additionally criticized the Pakistani military establishment and its record on minority treatment. Reaffirming New Delhi’s official stance, the Indian mission reiterated that Jammu and Kashmir is an integral and inalienable part of India.
