United Nations, September 26: India on Friday strongly rejected Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s remarks at the United Nations General Assembly, accusing Islamabad of spreading “falsehoods” and “deceit” while warning that continued cross-border terrorism would have consequences.
Exercising India’s Right of Reply, First Secretary at India’s Permanent Mission to the UN, Petal Gahlot, criticised Sharif’s address in which he raised the Kashmir issue and referred to the 2025 India-Pakistan conflict.
Gahlot described Pakistan as a “puppet” regime and accused its leadership of hypocrisy over democracy, human rights and religious freedom. She also rejected Pakistan’s statements on Jammu and Kashmir, reiterating India’s position that the region is an integral part of the country.
At the centre of India’s response was its allegation that Pakistan has maintained a long-standing policy of supporting cross-border terrorism. Gahlot said India had demonstrated during the previous year that “terrorists will have nowhere to run and nowhere to hide” and asserted that India’s right to defend itself against terrorism would continue to be exercised.
India also pointed to Osama bin Laden’s presence in Pakistan and criticised Islamabad over its record on minorities and democratic rights, according to reports of the UN exchange.
The exchange comes amid continued tensions between the two nuclear-armed neighbours, with Kashmir and allegations of cross-border terrorism remaining central to their diplomatic confrontation.
Pakistan has consistently rejected India’s accusations and maintains its own claims regarding Kashmir.
