India has strongly condemned Pakistan’s baseless remarks at the United Nations, calling out its dubious track record on various fronts. India’s Permanent Representative to the UN, Ambassador Ruchira Kamboj, strongly rebuked Pakistan’s UN envoy, Munir Akram, for his unwarranted comments on Kashmir, the Citizenship (Amendment) Act, and the Ram Temple in Ayodhya, made during his address to the UN General Assembly meeting on ‘Culture of Peace.’ “We would strongly encourage that delegation to align with the central principles of respect and diplomacy that must always guide our discussions. Or is that too much to ask of a country that harbors a most dubious track record on all aspects in itself?” she said.
Kamboj asserted that terrorism stands in direct opposition to the culture of peace, and added, “It sows discord, breeds hostility, and undermines the universal values of respect and harmony that underpin cultural and religious traditions worldwide”. Kamboj emphasized on the need for constructive dialogue and urged alignment with principles of respect and diplomacy. The Indian diplomat underscored the significance of nurturing a culture of peace amidst geopolitical tensions.
Kamboj stressed the need for unity in addressing attacks on sacred sites and promoting religious tolerance and diversity. “We are particularly concerned by the escalating attacks on sacred sites, including churches, monasteries, gurudwaras, mosques, temples, and synagogues,” she said, and added, ” We must tackle these challenges directly and ensure that they are central to our policy, dialogues and international engagements”.
Kamboj also said that the doctrine of Ahimsa championed by Mahatma Gandhi continues to be a bedrock of India’s commitment to peace. “India is not only the birthplace of Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism and Sikhism, but also a stronghold for Islam, Judaism, Christianity and Zoroastrianism. It has historically been a refuge for persecuted faiths, illustrating its long-standing embrace of diversity,” she said.
