India Slams Pakistan at UNSC: “No Right to Speak on Civilian Protection”
India launched a scathing rebuke of Pakistan at the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) on Friday, accusing it of gross hypocrisy for participating in discussions on the protection of civilians in armed conflict. India’s envoy said Islamabad, which routinely sponsors terrorism and targets civilians, lacks the moral authority to speak on such matters.
India’s Permanent Representative to the UN, Ambassador Harish Puri, was addressing the UNSC Open Debate on “Protection of Civilians in Armed Conflict” when he made the strong remarks.
“I am constrained to respond to the baseless allegations of the representative of Pakistan. For such a nation to even participate in this discussion is an affront to the international community,” said Puri. “A nation that makes no distinction between terrorists and civilians has no credentials to speak about protecting civilians.”
Puri highlighted a recent incident where the Pakistani Army allegedly shelled Indian border villages earlier this month.
“More than 20 civilians were killed and over 80 injured. There was intentional targeting of places of worship — including gurdwaras, temples, convents — and medical facilities,” he said. “To preach at this body after such behaviour is grossly hypocritical.”
India also pointed to the use of civilian infrastructure and cover by Pakistan-based terror groups. “Pakistan has repeatedly used civilian cover to advance the cause of terrorism,” said Puri, adding that the Pakistani establishment continues to glorify terrorists.
India’s statement referenced multiple past terror incidents, including the 26/11 Mumbai attacks and, more recently, the mass killing of tourists in Pahalgam in April 2025. Both attacks, India asserts, were orchestrated with support from Pakistani elements.
“Victims of Pakistani terrorism have been predominantly civilians,” said Puri. “Its objective has always been to attack India’s prosperity, progress and morale.”
Puri also referred to recent state funerals held in Pakistan for terrorists neutralized in Operation Sindoor, accusing the Pakistani government and military of openly honouring extremists.
The UNSC session was aimed at addressing global challenges faced by civilians, humanitarian workers, journalists, and UN peacekeepers in conflict zones. India’s strong intervention came in response to what it described as “baseless” and “diversionary” remarks made by Pakistan’s representative.
While Pakistan has not yet officially responded to India’s charges at the time of publishing, similar exchanges have often followed a pattern of denials and counter-accusations.
India and Pakistan have a history of diplomatic clashes at the UN, particularly on issues of terrorism, border security, and Kashmir. New Delhi has consistently maintained that Pakistan harbours and supports terrorist groups operating across the border.
