India Calls Out UN Gridlock as Pakistan Shields Terror Group Behind Pahalgam Attack

S Jaishankar was speaking at an event celebrating the UN's 80th anniversary

New Delhi:

India highlighted on Friday how Pakistan's efforts to shield terror organizations responsible for the Pahalgam attack at the UN Security Council demonstrate the global body's "gridlocked" functioning without urgent reforms.

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar criticized those who equate terrorism victims with perpetrators under the guise of global strategy, seemingly referring to how India and Pakistan are often paired in discussions about the terrorist attack.

Speaking at the UN's 80th anniversary celebration, Jaishankar stated that "all is not well" with the United Nations, noting its debates have become "increasingly polarized" and its operations "visibly gridlocked."

"Meaningful reforms are obstructed using the reform process itself," he observed, adding that maintaining the UN while seeking its reinvention presents a significant global challenge.

"The UN's response to terrorism illustrates the challenges it faces. When a current Security Council member openly protects the organization claiming responsibility for barbaric attacks like Pahalgam, what does this do to multilateralism's credibility?" Jaishankar questioned.

While not explicitly naming Pakistan, his reference was unmistakable.

"Similarly, equating terrorism victims with perpetrators under the banner of global strategy shows how cynical the world has become. When self-declared terrorists receive protection from sanctions, what does this reveal about those involved?" he added.

Pakistan currently serves on the UN Security Council and held the presidency in July.

The Council consists of 15 members, including five permanent members: China, France, Russian Federation, United Kingdom, and United States.

Ten non-permanent members are elected to two-year terms by the General Assembly, with each member rotating through the presidency monthly.

The Resistance Front (TRF), a proxy of the Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) terror group, claimed responsibility for the Pahalgam attack.

TRF was mentioned in a July UNSC report regarding its involvement in the Pahalgam attack.

Officials reported that Pakistan attempted to remove TRF references from the UNSC statement condemning the Pahalgam attack.

In his address, Jaishankar suggested the UN has failed to address pressing issues.

"If maintaining international peace and security has become mere lip service, the state of development and socio-economic progress is even more concerning," he said.

"The slowdown of the SDG Agenda 2030 significantly indicates the Global South's distress. There are many other indicators, including trade measures, supply chain dependency, and political domination," he continued.

"Yet, on such a notable anniversary, we must not abandon hope. However difficult, commitment to multilateralism must remain strong. However flawed, the United Nations must be supported during this crisis," Jaishankar added.

The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) comprise objectives established to create a better and more sustainable future for everyone.