India slams Pakistan on minority rights at UNGA Third Committee
Why in the news
India hit back at Pakistan at the United Nations on 24 October 2026, accusing it of misusing a debate on minority rights to spread propaganda against India. The remarks were reported on 25 October.
Key facts
- Forum: Third Committee of the UN General Assembly, at an interactive dialogue with the Special Rapporteur on Minority Issues.
- Speaker: Raghoo Puri, First Secretary, India’s mission to the UN.
- India said Pakistan uses such forums to distract from its economic distress, lawlessness and rights violations at home.
- It pointed to a shrinking minority population in Pakistan and asked it to look after its own citizens.
- It described Pakistan’s government, formed after the 2024 elections, as a ‘Form 47 government’ and said the military are the real rulers.
- India repeated that Jammu and Kashmir is an integral part of India; the only pending issue is Pakistan leaving the territory it occupies illegally.
- India described itself as a multi-religious, multi-ethnic and multilingual society whose Constitution protects minorities, and said protecting minority rights is mainly each nation’s sovereign duty.
About the exchange
India said Pakistan had, as expected, turned a session meant for minority rights into a platform to attack India. India also questioned Pakistan’s own record on minorities and argued that the army holds decisive control over its elected leaders.
Exam angle
- Forum: UNGA Third Committee, dialogue with the Special Rapporteur on Minority Issues.
- Note the Indian diplomat’s name and rank: First Secretary Raghoo Puri.
- India’s consistent stand: J&K is an integral part of India.