New York - India, in its response to Pakistan's address at the United Nations (UN), emphasized the need for Pakistan to halt cross-border terrorism, dismantle terror infrastructure within its borders, and relinquish Indian territories currently under its illegal occupation.

India exercised its right to reply to Pakistan's speech during the 78th session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York. It criticized Pakistan for repeatedly exploiting international platforms to disseminate unfounded and malicious propaganda against New Delhi. India stressed that Jammu and Kashmir remains an integral part of its territory, and Pakistan has no legitimate standing to comment on this matter.

"Pakistan has persistently misused this forum to propagate groundless and harmful allegations against India. UN member states and other international organizations are well aware that Pakistan resorts to such tactics to divert attention from its dismal human rights record," remarked Petal Gahlot, First Secretary at the UN for the second committee of UNGA.

"We reiterate that the Union Territories (UTs) of Jammu and Kashmir are an integral part of India. Matters related to the UTs of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh are purely India's internal affairs. Pakistan lacks the legitimacy to intervene in our domestic issues," she asserted.

To achieve peace in South Asia, Gahlot outlined three essential steps for Pakistan. First, it must immediately cease cross-border terrorism and dismantle its terrorism-related infrastructure. Second, it should vacate Indian territories currently under its illegal and coercive control. Third, Pakistan must halt the severe and ongoing human rights violations against minority communities.

Gahlot also urged Pakistan to take credible and verifiable actions against those responsible for the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks instead of engaging in technical arguments.

She further highlighted Pakistan's dismal human rights record, particularly concerning attacks on minority communities and the condition of women belonging to these groups. Gahlot pointed to instances of violence against the Christian community in Jaranwala, Pakistan, in August 2023, and the alarming frequency of abduction, forced conversion, and marriage of women from minority communities in Pakistan.

India has consistently conveyed to Pakistan that terrorism and diplomatic dialogue cannot coexist and has raised concerns about Pakistan's support for and sponsorship of cross-border terrorism.

During his earlier address, Pakistan's interim prime minister, Kakar, expressed his country's desire for peace with India and emphasized that "Kashmir is the key to peace between the two countries."

Meanwhile, India's External Affairs Minister, S Jaishankar, is representing the country at the UN and is scheduled to address the 78th session of the UNGA on September 26.