New Delhi: External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar has strongly criticized the UN’s handling of the Kashmir issue, highlighting inconsistencies in the global diplomatic framework. Speaking at the Raisina Dialogue 2025, he expressed concerns over how the United Nations misrepresented the 1947 invasion of Jammu and Kashmir by Pakistan-backed militias. He pointed out that, instead of recognizing the aggression, the UN reframed it as a bilateral dispute, equating the victim and the aggressor. This misclassification, according to Jaishankar, has led to decades of political challenges, diplomatic hurdles, and strategic consequences for India.
His remarks have reignited discussions on the credibility of global governance institutions and their role in addressing international conflicts. The minister’s statements also reflect India’s long-standing demand for a more just and equitable global order.
The Kashmir Conflict: A Historical Perspective
The Kashmir issue dates back to 1947, following India’s independence and the partition of the subcontinent. At that time, Jammu and Kashmir was a princely state ruled by Maharaja Hari Singh. Facing an invasion by Pakistan-backed tribal militias, the Maharaja sought India’s military assistance. In return, he signed the Instrument of Accession, legally integrating the region into the Indian Union.
India approached the United Nations in 1948, hoping for a fair resolution. However, instead of holding Pakistan accountable for its unprovoked aggression, the UN treated the matter as a bilateral territorial dispute. This decision created a precedent that continues to impact India’s diplomatic and security policies today.
Jaishankar’s Criticism: The UN’s Handling of Kashmir Issue
Jaishankar has openly questioned why the United Nations failed to acknowledge Pakistan’s role as the aggressor. He argued that reclassifying a clear act of military invasion as a dispute weakened India’s rightful claims over Jammu and Kashmir.
During his speech, Jaishankar made several critical points:
- Misrepresentation of Facts: The minister noted that the UN’s decision to equate both sides in the conflict led to confusion and misinterpretation at the global level.
- Decades of Diplomatic Hurdles: The classification of Kashmir as a disputed region has allowed Pakistan to continue pushing a false narrative in international forums.
- India’s Legal Stand Weakened: By failing to label Pakistan’s actions as aggression, the UN indirectly undermined India’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
Western Nations and Their Selective Application of Global Norms
A major part of Jaishankar’s criticism also focused on the double standards of Western nations in addressing international conflicts. He pointed out that:
- When Western countries intervene in conflicts, they justify it as “protecting democratic values.”
- When countries like India take necessary steps, they are often criticized or misrepresented.
Jaishankar cited several global conflicts, emphasizing how Western nations selectively apply international laws and resolutions based on their own strategic interests. He stressed that the global diplomatic order should not be dictated by geopolitical convenience.
The United Nations and the Need for Structural Reforms
Jaishankar’s remarks also reignited the debate on reforming the UN to ensure fairness and transparency. The minister argued that:
- The United Nations must be held accountable for its inconsistent actions.
- Global institutions should not be influenced by power politics but should function on principles of justice and equity.
- India has consistently called for a more inclusive UN, including reforms in the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) to reflect contemporary geopolitical realities.
He reiterated that India, as a responsible global power, is committed to working within the UN framework but expects fairness in its decisions.
Geopolitical Implications of Jaishankar’s Criticism
Jaishankar’s statements carry significant geopolitical implications:
- India’s Diplomatic Push: His remarks strengthen India’s long-standing demand for UN reforms.
- Pakistan’s Narrative Challenged: By calling out the UN’s misclassification of the Kashmir issue, Jaishankar undermined Pakistan’s false claims on the international stage.
- Strategic Message to Western Powers: His speech signals that India will no longer accept selective application of global norms.
Conclusion: A Call for Fairness in Global Governance
Jaishankar’s critique of the UN’s handling of the Kashmir issue highlights India’s persistent struggle for fairness in global diplomacy. His remarks serve as a strong reminder that international institutions must uphold justice, impartiality, and transparency.
Moving forward, ensuring a balanced and just global order will require serious structural reforms within the United Nations. India, as a major global player, will continue to push for accountability and fairness in international decision-making processes.
For more information on India’s foreign policy and official statements, visit the Ministry of External Affairs, India. To explore UN’s role in global governance, check the United Nations Official Website.
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