India Slams Pakistan At UNSC, Calls It 'Global Epicentre Of Terrorism' For Harbouring Over 20 UN-Listed Terror Groups

India delivered a scathing response to Pakistan at the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) on Tuesday (18 January), accusing it of being the "global epicentre of terrorism" while simultaneously attempting to portray itself as a fighter against the menace, reported The Indian Express.

The remarks were made by India’s Permanent Representative to the UN, Ambassador Parvathaneni Harish, during a UNSC meeting chaired by China.

“Pakistan is a global epicentre of terrorism harbouring more than 20 UN-listed terrorist entities and providing state support to cross-border terrorism,” Harish was quoted as saying by The Indian Express.

“Hence it is a supreme irony when Pakistan pats itself on the back as being at the forefront of the fight against terrorism. India has been a victim of acts of terror perpetrated by this country through terror groups such as Jaish-e-Mohammed and Harkat Ul Mujahidin, among dozens of others.”

The Indian envoy’s remarks came after Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mohammed Ishaq Dar, raised the issue of Jammu and Kashmir during the debate on "Practicing multilateralism, reforming and improving global governance."

Harish reiterated India’s longstanding position, asserting that Jammu and Kashmir "have been, is, and will always remain an integral part of India" while pointing out that Pakistan is in "illegal occupation of parts of Jammu and Kashmir."

He also rejected any justification for terrorism, stating, “No political grievance can justify terrorism perpetrated against innocent civilians. This august body can make no distinction between good and bad terrorists.”

Dismissing Pakistan’s "campaigns of misinformation and disinformation", Harish said that such tactics "do not change facts on the ground."

He further highlighted the successful elections held in Jammu and Kashmir in September-October last year, where people turned out in large numbers to elect their government.

“The choice of the people of Jammu & Kashmir was loud and clear. Democracy in Jammu and Kashmir is vibrant and strong, unlike in Pakistan,” he stated.

Several Pakistan-based terror outfits are sanctioned under the UNSC’s 1267 Al Qaida Sanctions Committee, facing asset freezes, arms embargoes, and travel bans.

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