New Delhi, Oct 24 – India has raised concerns regarding Pakistan’s efforts to shield the terrorist organization responsible for the Pahalgam attack during discussions at the UN Security Council, emphasizing that the body’s operations have become “gridlocked” due to the lack of urgent reforms.

External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar criticized the tendency to equate victims and perpetrators of terrorism under the guise of global strategy, implicitly referring to the hyphenation of India and Pakistan in relation to the recent terror incident. His comments were made during an event commemorating the 80th anniversary of the United Nations (UN).

Jaishankar stated that “all is not well” with the UN, noting that debates have grown “increasingly polarized” and its functionality is “visibly gridlocked.” He remarked, “Any meaningful reform is obstructed using the reform process itself,” highlighting the challenge of sustaining the UN while seeking its reinvention.

He pointed out the implications of a Security Council member openly protecting the organization that claimed responsibility for the Pahalgam attack, questioning the credibility of multilateralism. Although he did not explicitly name Pakistan, it was clear that his remarks were directed at the country.

Jaishankar further criticized the practice of equating victims and perpetrators of terrorism, stating, “When self-proclaimed terrorists are shielded from the sanctioning process, what does it say for the sincerity of those involved?”

Currently, Pakistan holds a seat on the UN Security Council and served as its chair in July. The Council consists of 15 members, including five permanent members: China, France, the Russian Federation, the United Kingdom, and the United States. Ten non-permanent members are elected for two-year terms by the General Assembly, with the presidency rotating monthly among the members.

The Resistance Front (TRF), a proxy of the Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) terrorist group, claimed responsibility for the Pahalgam attack, which was mentioned in a UNSC report in July for its involvement. Officials indicated that Pakistan attempted to remove references to TRF from the UNSC press statement condemning the attack.

Jaishankar asserted that the UN has not adequately addressed critical issues, stating, “If the maintenance of international peace and security has become lip service, the predicament of development and socio-economic progress is even more serious.” He highlighted the slowing progress of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) Agenda 2030 as a significant indicator of the challenges facing the Global South, alongside issues related to trade, supply chain dependence, and political domination.

Despite these challenges, Jaishankar expressed a commitment to multilateralism, stating, “However difficult, the commitment to multilateralism must remain strong. However flawed, the United Nations must be supported in this time of crisis.” The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) aim to foster a better and more sustainable future for all.