Ambassador Harish highlights stark regional contrasts at the UNSC
India strongly criticized Pakistan at the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) on Wednesday, accusing it of supporting terrorism and mismanaging its economy. Addressing a high-level debate on peace and multilateralism, India’s Permanent Representative to the UN, Ambassador Parvathaneni Harish, described Pakistan as a “serial borrower from the IMF” and a country “steeped in fanaticism and terrorism.”
Responding to earlier remarks from Pakistan’s representative, Harish drew a sharp comparison between the two South Asian nations. He stated, “The Indian Subcontinent offers a stark contrast in terms of progress, prosperity, and development models. On one side stands India—a mature democracy, a rising economic power, and a pluralistic, inclusive society. On the other is Pakistan—entrenched in extremist ideologies and dependent on international bailouts.”
Operation Sindoor and anti-terror accountability
Ambassador Harish emphasized the need for accountability in cross-border terrorism and referred to the April 22 terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, where 26 civilians were killed.
He said, “There must be real consequences for states that violate principles of neighborly conduct and international norms by enabling terrorism.” He revealed that in response to the Pahalgam attack, India conducted Operation Sindoor on May 7. The targeted strikes were aimed at terror camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoJK). According to Harish, the operation was “focused, measured, and non-escalatory,” and concluded upon achieving its objectives following a ceasefire request from Pakistan.
Reports noted limited cross-border firing during the operation, but both countries agreed to halt hostilities by May 10. India also clarified that its decision to end the military action followed Pakistan’s direct appeal and coincided with mediation efforts acknowledged publicly by US President Donald Trump.
Criticism of state-backed terrorism and technological radicalization
Harish also addressed the evolving nature of global conflicts, stating that modern warfare increasingly involves non-state actors supported by governments. He highlighted the growing use of digital technologies in arms trafficking, radicalization, and terrorist recruitment.
“The rise of proxy warfare, cross-border terrorism, and state-enabled non-state actors has transformed modern conflict,” Harish said. He noted that such developments challenge the effectiveness of multilateral conflict resolution mechanisms.
India reaffirms its global commitments
Reiterating India’s dedication to international peace and security, Harish said, “India is a responsible actor, a founding member of the United Nations, and an active participant in collective global efforts for a peaceful, just, and equitable world.”
He also highlighted India’s leadership in UN peacekeeping operations, pointing out that the country is the largest cumulative contributor to UN Peacekeeping forces and has been a pioneer in promoting the role of women in peacekeeping.
Call for UN reform and strengthened multilateralism
Ambassador Harish concluded by calling attention to the declining faith in global multilateral institutions. He stressed that the current structure of the United Nations, particularly the Security Council, lacks adequate representation.
“We are at a moment where confidence in the multilateral system is eroding,” he said, citing growing concerns over fairness, effectiveness, and representativeness in the UN’s decision-making processes.
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Can we not ignore & move on as if Porkistan does not exist.