New Delhi: India on Wednesday criticised Pakistan's attempt to rake up the Kashmir issue during the United Nations General Assembly debate on Russia.
According to news agency ANI, Pakistani diplomat Munir Akram brought up the issue of Kashmir in an attempt to draw parallels between the Russia-Ukraine war and the Kashmir issue.
Presenting India's response, Permanent Representative to the UN, Ruchira Kamboj said, "We have witnessed, unsurprisingly, yet again, an attempt by one delegation to misuse this forum and make frivolous and pointless remarks against my country", ANI reported.
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The Indian diplomat stressed that Pakistan's statement deserves collective contempt as it comes from a mindset that repeatedly utters falsehoods.
"Entire territory of Jammu and Kashmir is and will always be an integral part of India... We call on Pakistan to stop cross-border terrorism so our citizens can enjoy their right to life and liberty," the envoy stated, as quoted by ANI.
The remarks came as the UNGA adopted a resolution condemning the Russian annexation of the four Ukrainian regions.
143 members voted in favour of the resolution while five voted against it. A total of 35 countries abstained from the resolution, including India.
India on Wednesday expressed deep concern at the escalation of the conflict in Ukraine, including the targeting of civilian infrastructure and deaths.
The latest resolution was adopted after Russia vetoed a similar proposal in UN Security Council which aimed to condemn Russia's "attempted illegal annexations" of the four Ukrainian regions following "so-called referendums".
Ambassador Kamboj said that India “sincerely hopes for an early resumption of peace talks to bring about an immediate ceasefire and resolution of the conflict.”
“India stands ready to support all such efforts aimed at de-escalation,” she emphasised.
“As developing countries face the brunt of the conflict’s consequences on fuel, food, and fertilizer supplies, it is critical that the voice of the global south be heard and their legitimate concerns duly addressed,” the permanent representative said.