India Hits Back at Pakistan at UNHRC, Says Terror and Theatrics Cannot Solve Its Problems
India strongly responded to Pakistan at the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) in Geneva, rejecting Islamabad’s remarks on Jammu and Kashmir and human rights. The exchange took place during the 63rd regular session of the Human Rights Council, being held from September 7 to October 7, 2026.
Exercising India's right of reply, Indian diplomat Kshitij Tyagi said Pakistan should concentrate on development and addressing its economic challenges instead of pursuing territorial claims or what India describes as cross-border terrorism. He argued that international forums should not be used to divert attention from domestic challenges.
Tyagi said Pakistan would better serve its people by focusing on development rather than "coveting territory" or "exporting terror", adding that such actions and what he described as "theatrics" at the Council would not help the country repay its loans.
Jammu and Kashmir at the Centre of the Exchange
Jammu and Kashmir remained a central issue during India's response. Tyagi reiterated New Delhi's position that Jammu and Kashmir is an integral and inalienable part of India and called on Pakistan to vacate the portions of the region under its control.
India has consistently maintained that the Kashmir issue cannot be separated from the question of terrorism and security. At the UNHRC, Tyagi also referred to the 1990 exodus of Kashmiri Pandits, alleging that Pakistan-backed terrorists were responsible for their displacement and subsequently targeted Kashmiris belonging to different communities.
The Indian diplomat also referred to reports concerning civilian deaths, arrests and shortages of food and medicines in areas under Pakistan's control, arguing that Pakistan should address such concerns rather than concentrating its criticism on India.
India Raises Concerns Over Minority Rights
India's response also highlighted concerns about the treatment of religious minorities in Pakistan. Tyagi referred to Hindus, Sikhs and Christians, along with minority Muslim communities including Shias, Ahmadis, Ismailis and Hazaras.
He raised allegations concerning forced conversions, attacks on places of worship and the impact of Pakistan's blasphemy laws on minority communities. These remarks formed part of India's broader argument that Pakistan should examine its own human-rights situation while raising allegations against India at international forums.
Economic Challenges and Development
India's response also brought Pakistan's economic situation into the diplomatic exchange. New Delhi argued that Islamabad's priority should be economic development and improving conditions for its citizens rather than focusing on territorial disputes.
The emphasis on development comes as India seeks to present the Kashmir dispute and cross-border terrorism as issues that should be considered alongside Pakistan's broader domestic challenges. India's argument at the UNHRC was that political posturing and territorial claims cannot substitute for economic progress or address the country's financial pressures.
Wider India-Pakistan Tensions
The UNHRC exchange comes amid continuing disagreements between India and Pakistan over Jammu and Kashmir, terrorism and the Indus Waters Treaty. On the same broader diplomatic front, India has rejected Pakistan's recent claims concerning proceedings related to the treaty, maintaining that the tribunal involved lacked jurisdiction over India's sovereign decision.
The latest confrontation at Geneva therefore reflects the wider pattern of diplomatic exchanges between the two countries, with both sides continuing to present sharply different positions on Kashmir, security and human rights.
The MGMM Outlook
India’s response at the UN Human Rights Council reaffirmed that Jammu and Kashmir is an integral part of India while firmly rejecting Pakistan’s attempts to raise the issue on international platforms. The statement emphasized that terrorism, territorial claims, and political theatrics cannot replace genuine efforts toward peace, development, and the welfare of ordinary citizens, while also recalling the suffering of Kashmiri communities affected by cross-border terrorism.
The exchange also highlighted India’s call for greater attention to human rights and the protection of religious minorities in Pakistan, alongside the need for economic progress and stability in the region. By presenting these concerns before the UNHRC, India underscored its commitment to safeguarding its sovereignty and encouraging responsible, development-oriented engagement instead of confrontation.
(Sources: Firstpost, Business Today, Hindustan Times)
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