Prime Minister Narendra Modi gave the armed forces "complete freedom of action" ahead of Operation Sindoor and made it clear there was no pressure to launch the operation immediately, former Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan has said.Speaking at the Vivekananda Centre in New Delhi on Tuesday (Aug 25), Chauhan said the political message was clear: those responsible for the Pahalgam terror attack would not be spared, and India would not accept cross-border terrorism.<h2>PM told military to choose the timing</h2>Chauhan said the political decision was conveyed by Modi during his speech in Patna on April 24."The political decision that the perpetrators of this particular strike will not be spared, and we'll not tolerate cross-border terrorism. This was conveyed by none other than the honourable Prime Minister in his speech in Patna on the 24th," Chauhan said.According to the former CDS, discussions on India's diplomatic, economic, and trade response began on April 23. The military options were then discussed in a series of meetings before a key meeting with the Prime Minister on April 29 involving the Chiefs of Staff Committee, Defence Minister, and National Security Advisor.Chauhan said the armed forces presented multiple options after discussions with the NSA.<h2>'Do it at your own time'</h2>At the April 29 meeting, Chauhan said the larger objective was to ensure that Pakistan understood India would not tolerate cross-border terrorism. He said Modi then gave the military considerable operational freedom while setting clear conditions. "The Prime Minister told us only one thing: that he is not under any kind of political pressure to do it immediately," Chauhan said.He added that Modi told the military: "Do it at your own time, but ensure that there is no reason for failure, either human or because of technical reasons, and we should have evidence of whatever we do." Chauhan said the fourth instruction was "complete freedom of action"."For the military, actually, this could be nothing better than this," he said, explaining that what the armed forces need is clear political direction, which he said was available in this case.He also noted that "one of the couple of principles which we thought in the escalation matrix which we laid for ourselves was that the last strike or the winning note will always be delivered by us and not by the Pakistanis...".

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560"><a href="https://x.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a> | Delhi | &quot;One of the couple of principles which we thought in the escalation matrix which we laid for ourselves was that the last strike or the winning note will always be delivered by us and not by the Pakistanis...,&quot; says former CDS Anil Chauhan as he describes the… <a href="https://t.co/THbbhDIO6Z">pic.twitter.com/THbbhDIO6Z</a>&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://x.com/ANI/status/2092260925550285263?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 25, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.x.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<h2>What was Operation Sindoor?</h2>India launched Operation Sindoor on May 7, 2025. The military operation was a targeted response aimed at terror infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir. It was intended to dismantle terror bases allegedly used to plan the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack.After Indian strikes against the targeted terror infrastructure, the operation was paused on May 10 following a formal request from Pakistan.&nbsp;

What exactly did PM Modi tell the armed forces before Operation Sindoor? Former CDS General Anil Chauhan has revealed the message given at a key April 29 meeting, including a crucial instruction on when and how India should respond to Pakistan.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi gave the armed forces "complete freedom of action" ahead of Operation Sindoor and made it clear there was no pressure to launch the operation immediately, former Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan has said. Speaking at the Vivekananda Centre in New Delhi on Tuesday (Aug 25), Chauhan said the political message was clear: those responsible for the Pahalgam terror attack would not be spared, and India would not accept cross-border terrorism. PM told military to choose the timing Chauhan said the political decision was conveyed by Modi during his speech in Patna on April 24. "The political decision that the perpetrators of this particular strike will not be spared, and we'll not tolerate cross-border terrorism. This was conveyed by none other than the honourable Prime Minister in his speech in Patna on the 24th," Chauhan said. According to the former CDS, discussions on India's diplomatic, economic, and trade response began on April 23. The military options were then discussed in a series of meetings before a key meeting with the Prime Minister on April 29 involving the Chiefs of Staff Committee, Defence Minister, and National Security Advisor. Chauhan said the armed forces presented multiple options after discussions with the NSA. 'Do it at your own time' At the April 29 meeting, Chauhan said the larger objective was to ensure that Pakistan understood India would not tolerate cross-border terrorism. He said Modi then gave the military considerable operational freedom while setting clear conditions. "The Prime Minister told us only one thing: that he is not under any kind of political pressure to do it immediately," Chauhan said. He added that Modi told the military: "Do it at your own time, but ensure that there is no reason for failure, either human or because of technical reasons, and we should have evidence of whatever we do." Chauhan said the fourth instruction was "complete freedom of action". "For the military, actually, this could be nothing better than this," he said, explaining that what the armed forces need is clear political direction, which he said was available in this case. He also noted that "one of the couple of principles which we thought in the escalation matrix which we laid for ourselves was that the last strike or the winning note will always be delivered by us and not by the Pakistanis...".

What exactly did PM Modi tell the armed forces before Operation Sindoor? Former CDS General Anil Chauhan has revealed the message given at a key April 29 meeting, including a crucial instruction on when and how India should respond to Pakistan.

'Winning note will always be ours': Ex-CDS reveals what PM Modi told armed forces before Operation Sindoor

Former Army Chief General Manoj Naravane has said China, rather than Pakistan, will be India's main strategic competitor in the years ahead, while stressing that Islamabad continues to pose an immediate security challenge because of terrorism.Naravane made the remarks on Thursday (Aug 20) at the launch of his book, 'The Curious and the Classified: Unearthing Military Myths and Mysteries,' published by Rupa Publications.<h2>'China is going to be our main competitor'</h2>Speaking about India's security challenges, Naravane said Pakistan and China remain important concerns but represent very different challenges. "Pakistan and China are a totally different ballgame. We have fought wars with both of them. We have unsettled borders. So they will always remain on our radar as a threat, as a challenge," he said, according to PTI.He said India's immediate attention remains focused on Pakistan because of its alleged continued support for terrorism and the resulting threat along the western border. "But I think we are very clear that in the long term and in the years to come, China is going to be our main competitor," Naravane said.He deliberately used the word "competitor" rather than "enemy", saying China's challenge would extend beyond the military sphere. "They are going to be our main competitor in all fields. Political, economic, trade, and of course military also," he said.<h2>Dialogue first, military force as last resort</h2>Naravane also called for differences with China to be managed through talks and diplomacy, arguing that military action should remain a last resort."It is up to us to try to resolve those conflicts, those differences, through the mechanisms of talks, dialogues. And taking recourse to the use of force should always be the last resort," he said.At the same time, he stressed that diplomacy needs to be supported by credible military strength."There comes a moment when you realise that this is not going to happen. And therefore, you have to have a strong deterrence," Naravane said.'You can't choose your neighbours'Naravane also highlighted the importance of maintaining stable relations with India's neighbours, including Nepal, Bhutan, Bangladesh and Myanmar."You can't choose your neighbours, in real life also, and in geopolitics also. You have to make the best of what you have," he said.He argued that instability in neighbouring countries can have direct consequences for India, including refugee movements."If your neighbouring country is burning, that should not make you happy," he said, citing the movement of refugees from Myanmar into India.Naravane summed up his approach to national security with a familiar principle: "If you want peace, prepare for war."

Former Army chief General Manoj Naravane says China will be India's main long-term competitor, while Pakistan remains an immediate security challenge due to terrorism.

Former Army Chief General Manoj Naravane has said China, rather than Pakistan, will be India's main strategic competitor in the years ahead, while stressing that Islamabad continues to pose an immediate security challenge because of terrorism. Naravane made the remarks on Thursday (Aug 20) at the launch of his book, 'The Curious and the Classified: Unearthing Military Myths and Mysteries,' published by Rupa Publications. 'China is going to be our main competitor' Speaking about India's security challenges, Naravane said Pakistan and China remain important concerns but represent very different challenges. "Pakistan and China are a totally different ballgame. We have fought wars with both of them. We have unsettled borders. So they will always remain on our radar as a threat, as a challenge," he said, according to PTI. He said India's immediate attention remains focused on Pakistan because of its alleged continued support for terrorism and the resulting threat along the western border. "But I think we are very clear that in the long term and in the years to come, China is going to be our main competitor," Naravane said. He deliberately used the word "competitor" rather than "enemy", saying China's challenge would extend beyond the military sphere. "They are going to be our main competitor in all fields. Political, economic, trade, and of course military also," he said. Dialogue first, military force as last resort Naravane also called for differences with China to be managed through talks and diplomacy, arguing that military action should remain a last resort. "It is up to us to try to resolve those conflicts, those differences, through the mechanisms of talks, dialogues. And taking recourse to the use of force should always be the last resort," he said. At the same time, he stressed that diplomacy needs to be supported by credible military strength. "There comes a moment when you realise that this is not going to happen. And therefore, you have to have a strong deterrence," Naravane said. 'You can't choose your neighbours' Naravane also highlighted the importance of maintaining stable relations with India's neighbours, including Nepal, Bhutan, Bangladesh and Myanmar. "You can't choose your neighbours, in real life also, and in geopolitics also. You have to make the best of what you have," he said. He argued that instability in neighbouring countries can have direct consequences for India, including refugee movements. "If your neighbouring country is burning, that should not make you happy," he said, citing the movement of refugees from Myanmar into India. Naravane summed up his approach to national security with a familiar principle: "If you want peace, prepare for war."

Former Army chief General Manoj Naravane has drawn a clear distinction between India's two biggest security challenges, calling Pakistan an immediate threat and China the country's main long-term competitor across military, economic, trade and political spheres. Here's what he said.

'If you want peace, prepare for war': Ex-Army chief Manoj Naravane warns China, not Pakistan, is India's main competitor

India-Pakistan tensions are once again in focus after authorities in New Delhi cleared unauthorized structures and encroachments outside the Pakistan High Commission.

The action comes days after Pakistani authorities removed security barricades and parking poles outside the Indian High Commission in Islamabad, making the latest move another apparent tit-for-tat development amid strained bilateral relations.

According to the report, the structures near the visa section of the Pakistan mission were found beyond the compound’s approved perimeter. Authorities subsequently removed the unauthorized structures and encroachments.

Visuals show rubble, metal railings, gates, roofing sheets, bricks and concrete debris outside the mission. Parts of the outer structures, including corrugated roofing and metal fencing, were pulled down, while the main entrance remained intact.

Delhi Clears Pakistan High Commission Encroachments In Tit-For-Tat Move With Islamabad

A new global survey reveals where India enjoys the strongest public goodwill, with several nations showing high favourable ratings while one neighbour records the lowest support for India.

From Sri Lanka to Japan: Which countries love India the most? New survey reveals...

More than seven decades after Partition, India and Pakistan remain locked in a rivalry that has survived wars, diplomatic freezes and changing global alliances. A new Pew Research Center survey has revealed that public opinion in both countries continues to reflect that reality, with each side viewing the other through a security lens rather than a diplomatic one.<h2>A rivalry rooted in history</h2>In India, 54 per cent of respondents identified Pakistan as the country’s greatest external threat, while only 21 per cent named China. In Pakistan, 43 per cent people view India as their greatest threat. Meanwhile, 75 per cent described China as Pakistan’s top ally, underscoring how security concerns continue to shape the country’s strategic outlook.Military standoffs between the countries, cross-border terrorism, ceasefire violations and periodic crises have repeatedly reinforced the perception that the threat is not temporary but structural.<h2>Why mistrust persists</h2>Regional dynamics have changed dramatically. China has expanded its influence across South Asia, the United States has deepened strategic ties with India, and new economic and security partnerships have emerged across the Indo-Pacific. Yet India and Pakistan have not escaped the logic of mutual suspicion.Trade between the two countries remains minimal, political engagement is intermittent, and people-to-people contact has steadily declined. In the absence of sustained dialogue, security narratives have become deeply embedded in public opinion.<h2>Two different strategic worlds</h2>The Pew survey also highlights a widening divergence in how the two countries view the global order. India has managed to maintain productive ties with both Moscow, viewed as the most important ally by 35 per cent of Indians, and Washington, named as the top ally by 17 per cent of people, reflecting its long-standing policy of strategic autonomy. Pakistan, meanwhile, has moved much closer to Beijing, with China dominating perceptions of partnership and support, with 75 per cent calling it the country’s most important ally.For now, the rivalry is no longer defined only by borders or military deployments. It is sustained by competing threat perceptions, contrasting alliances and a deep reservoir of historical mistrust. The survey suggests that while the international system has changed, the psychological landscape of the India-Pakistan relationship has changed far less.

A new Pew survey shows India and Pakistan still see each other as major threats, with mistrust rooted in history, security concerns and increasingly different global alliances.

More than seven decades after Partition, India and Pakistan remain locked in a rivalry that has survived wars, diplomatic freezes and changing global alliances. A new Pew Research Center survey has revealed that public opinion in both countries continues to reflect that reality, with each side viewing the other through a security lens rather than a diplomatic one. A rivalry rooted in history In India, 54 per cent of respondents identified Pakistan as the country’s greatest external threat, while only 21 per cent named China. In Pakistan, 43 per cent people view India as their greatest threat. Meanwhile, 75 per cent described China as Pakistan’s top ally, underscoring how security concerns continue to shape the country’s strategic outlook. Military standoffs between the countries, cross-border terrorism, ceasefire violations and periodic crises have repeatedly reinforced the perception that the threat is not temporary but structural. Why mistrust persists Regional dynamics have changed dramatically. China has expanded its influence across South Asia, the United States has deepened strategic ties with India, and new economic and security partnerships have emerged across the Indo-Pacific. Yet India and Pakistan have not escaped the logic of mutual suspicion. Trade between the two countries remains minimal, political engagement is intermittent, and people-to-people contact has steadily declined. In the absence of sustained dialogue, security narratives have become deeply embedded in public opinion. Two different strategic worlds The Pew survey also highlights a widening divergence in how the two countries view the global order. India has managed to maintain productive ties with both Moscow, viewed as the most important ally by 35 per cent of Indians, and Washington, named as the top ally by 17 per cent of people, reflecting its long-standing policy of strategic autonomy. Pakistan, meanwhile, has moved much closer to Beijing, with China dominating perceptions of partnership and support, with 75 per cent calling it the country’s most important ally. For now, the rivalry is no longer defined only by borders or military deployments. It is sustained by competing threat perceptions, contrasting alliances and a deep reservoir of historical mistrust. The survey suggests that while the international system has changed, the psychological landscape of the India-Pakistan relationship has changed far less.

A new Pew survey shows India and Pakistan still see each other as major threats, with mistrust rooted in history, security concerns and increasingly different global alliances.

Why India and Pakistan still see each other as major threats | WION Decodes

Pakistan is staring down a perfect storm of crises.
From escalating protests in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir to a rapidly deteriorating security situation in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, pressure is mounting on the Shehbaz Sharif government. Is the Shehbaz Sharif government losing its grip and can it contain the political, economic and security crises threatening to overwhelm Pakistan?

Protests, Security Crisis & Political Turmoil Rock Pakistan

Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu has called for the revival of the long-dormant South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC), offering his country as a mediator to help restart leaders’ summits after nearly a decade of inactivity. Speaking at the Maldives’ Independence Day ceremony on 26 July, Muizzu said the regional body, which the Maldives helped found in the mid-1980s, had delivered “numerous benefits” but had been “rendered, or has become, dysfunctional” for about nine years. “Looking closely at our immediate region, the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC)... is one such body,” he said. “Given that the foreign policy of the Maldives is structured... upon the principle that differences should be addressed through consultation, by bringing concerns to the discussion table, reaching resolutions, and moving forward in a manner that benefits all, the reactivation of SAARC is equally vital for regional peace and security.”Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/from-india-out-to-china-out-muizzu-makes-u-turn-as-pm-modi-offers-incentives-1753546113306">From ‘India out’ to ‘China out’? Muizzu makes U-turn as PM Modi offers incentives</a> He urged member states to resume summits. “We must bring matters to the point where the leaders of SAARC resume holding summits once again. To those parties among whom differences have arisen in this regard, the Maldives calls upon you to set those matters aside, to prioritise friendship for the sake of regional development and regional peace, and to come to the negotiating table". SAARC, comprising Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan and Sri Lanka, held its last summit in Kathmandu in 2014. The planned 2016 summit in Islamabad was cancelled after India and several other members boycotted it following the Uri terror attack by Pakistani terrorists. Maldives President suggested that, should the task "prove challenging", the "Maldives stands ready to take the initiative and act as a mediator to advance those discussions. Therefore, SAARC must be operationalised once again. This administration shall always champion peace.” Responding on Tuesday to Muizzu’s remarks, India’s Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal reiterated New Delhi’s support for regional cooperation while pointing the finger at Pakistan without naming it directly. “India favours strong regional cooperation and has been working towards it for several decades. Everyone in South Asia is aware of which country and what activities are responsible for stymying SAARC. After all, cooperation does require goodwill,” Jaiswal told a media briefing. India has long emphasised that Pakistan’s support for cross-border terrorism and interference in neighbours’ affairs has blocked progress in the organisation.

Pakistan and Sri Lanka, held its last summit in Kathmandu in 2014. The planned 2016 summit in Islamabad was cancelled after India and several other members boycotted it following the Uri terror attack by Pakistani terrorists.

Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu has called for the revival of the long-dormant South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC), offering his country as a mediator to help restart leaders’ summits after nearly a decade of inactivity. Speaking at the Maldives’ Independence Day ceremony on 26 July, Muizzu said the regional body, which the Maldives helped found in the mid-1980s, had delivered “numerous benefits” but had been “rendered, or has become, dysfunctional” for about nine years. “Looking closely at our immediate region, the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC)... is one such body,” he said. “Given that the foreign policy of the Maldives is structured... upon the principle that differences should be addressed through consultation, by bringing concerns to the discussion table, reaching resolutions, and moving forward in a manner that benefits all, the reactivation of SAARC is equally vital for regional peace and security.” Also read | From ‘India out’ to ‘China out’? Muizzu makes U-turn as PM Modi offers incentives He urged member states to resume summits. “We must bring matters to the point where the leaders of SAARC resume holding summits once again. To those parties among whom differences have arisen in this regard, the Maldives calls upon you to set those matters aside, to prioritise friendship for the sake of regional development and regional peace, and to come to the negotiating table". SAARC, comprising Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan and Sri Lanka, held its last summit in Kathmandu in 2014. The planned 2016 summit in Islamabad was cancelled after India and several other members boycotted it following the Uri terror attack by Pakistani terrorists. Maldives President suggested that, should the task "prove challenging", the "Maldives stands ready to take the initiative and act as a mediator to advance those discussions. Therefore, SAARC must be operationalised once again. This administration shall always champion peace.” Responding on Tuesday to Muizzu’s remarks, India’s Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal reiterated New Delhi’s support for regional cooperation while pointing the finger at Pakistan without naming it directly. “India favours strong regional cooperation and has been working towards it for several decades. Everyone in South Asia is aware of which country and what activities are responsible for stymying SAARC. After all, cooperation does require goodwill,” Jaiswal told a media briefing. India has long emphasised that Pakistan’s support for cross-border terrorism and interference in neighbours’ affairs has blocked progress in the organisation.

Pakistan and Sri Lanka, held their last summit in Kathmandu in 2014. The planned 2016 summit in Islamabad was cancelled after India and several other members boycotted it following the Uri terror attack by Pakistani terrorists.

Muizzu pushes for SAARC restart; India cites Pak terror concerns

India has rejected Pakistan's allegations regarding flooding, pointing to Pakistan's own weather advisories as evidence supporting its position. The dispute comes amid heavy monsoon rains and rising flood concerns across the region. Watch this report for the latest developments, official responses, and the growing diplomatic exchange between New Delhi and Islamabad.

Indian government cites Pakistan's weather advisory to back claims

India on Wednesday (Jul 22) slammed Pakistan at the United Nations, accusing it of using cross-border terrorism as an "instrument of State policy" and reiterating that Jammu and Kashmir "has always been, is, and will remain" an integral part of India.Speaking at the High-Level Open Debate of the UN Security Council on Natural Resources Governance: the Foundation of Peace, Security and Prosperity, India's Permanent Representative to the UN, Ambassador Parvathaneni Harish, accused Pakistan of misusing the forum to advance what he described as a "false narrative."Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/if-india-wants-a-permanent-unsc-seat-why-is-it-still-contesting-for-a-temporary-one-wion-decodes-1784104714747">If India wants a permanent UNSC seat, why is it still contesting for a temporary one? WION Decodes</a><h2>Pakistan continues to push 'false narrative'</h2>Speaking at the high-level debate, Harish noted that New Delhi was being "compelled" to counter Islamabad's "false narrative"."It was not our intention to bring other issues in this forum, but my delegation is compelled to respond to Pakistan, as it has chosen to misuse today's discussion to peddle its false narrative," said Harish.Reaffirming India's position on Jammu and Kashmir, the envoy said the Union Territory is an "integral and inalienable part" of the country. "For the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir, it has always been, is, and will remain an integral and inalienable part of India. This is the constitutional and legal reality that Pakistan deliberately chooses to ignore," he said.<h2>India points out the "only outstanding issue" on Kashmir</h2>Harish also asserted that the only unresolved issue concerning Jammu and Kashmir was what he termed Pakistan's "naked aggression and illegal occupation" of Indian territory."The only outstanding issue with regard to Jammu and Kashmir is the naked aggression and illegal occupation of India's sovereign territory by Pakistan," he said.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/this-should-not-happen-in-a-democracy-shashi-tharoor-slams-detention-of-rahul-gandhi-priyanka-gandhi-after-protest-outside-pm-modi-s-residence-1784684704207">'This should not happen in a democracy': Shashi Tharoor slams detention of Rahul Gandhi, Priyanka Gandhi after protest outside PM Modi's residence</a><h2>Indus Water Treaty to remain in abeyance</h2>Referring to the Indus Water Treaty, the Indian envoy said New Delhi's position remained "clear and consistent" and linked cooperation under the treaty to an environment of mutual trust."Our position on the Indus Water Treaty remains clear and consistent. Cooperation on the basis of mutual trust and goodwill cannot be expected when cross-border terrorism is regularly deployed as an instrument of State policy," Harish said.In his concluding remarks, the ambassador urged Pakistan to focus on addressing its domestic challenges rather than criticising India. "Instead of pointing fingers at India, Pakistan would serve itself and its people far better by putting its own house in order," he said.

India accused Pakistan at the United Nations of using cross-border terrorism as an "instrument of State policy", rejected Islamabad's remarks on Jammu and Kashmir, and reiterated that the Union Territory is an integral part of India. Here's all you need to know

India on Wednesday (Jul 22) slammed Pakistan at the United Nations, accusing it of using cross-border terrorism as an "instrument of State policy" and reiterating that Jammu and Kashmir "has always been, is, and will remain" an integral part of India. Speaking at the High-Level Open Debate of the UN Security Council on Natural Resources Governance: the Foundation of Peace, Security and Prosperity, India's Permanent Representative to the UN, Ambassador Parvathaneni Harish, accused Pakistan of misusing the forum to advance what he described as a "false narrative." Also read | If India wants a permanent UNSC seat, why is it still contesting for a temporary one? WION Decodes Pakistan continues to push 'false narrative' Speaking at the high-level debate, Harish noted that New Delhi was being "compelled" to counter Islamabad's "false narrative". "It was not our intention to bring other issues in this forum, but my delegation is compelled to respond to Pakistan, as it has chosen to misuse today's discussion to peddle its false narrative," said Harish. Reaffirming India's position on Jammu and Kashmir, the envoy said the Union Territory is an "integral and inalienable part" of the country. "For the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir, it has always been, is, and will remain an integral and inalienable part of India. This is the constitutional and legal reality that Pakistan deliberately chooses to ignore," he said. India points out the "only outstanding issue" on Kashmir Harish also asserted that the only unresolved issue concerning Jammu and Kashmir was what he termed Pakistan's "naked aggression and illegal occupation" of Indian territory. "The only outstanding issue with regard to Jammu and Kashmir is the naked aggression and illegal occupation of India's sovereign territory by Pakistan," he said. Also read | 'This should not happen in a democracy': Shashi Tharoor slams detention of Rahul Gandhi, Priyanka Gandhi after protest outside PM Modi's residence Indus Water Treaty to remain in abeyance Referring to the Indus Water Treaty, the Indian envoy said New Delhi's position remained "clear and consistent" and linked cooperation under the treaty to an environment of mutual trust. "Our position on the Indus Water Treaty remains clear and consistent. Cooperation on the basis of mutual trust and goodwill cannot be expected when cross-border terrorism is regularly deployed as an instrument of State policy," Harish said. In his concluding remarks, the ambassador urged Pakistan to focus on addressing its domestic challenges rather than criticising India. "Instead of pointing fingers at India, Pakistan would serve itself and its people far better by putting its own house in order," he said.

India accused Pakistan at the United Nations of using cross-border terrorism as an "instrument of State policy", rejected Islamabad's remarks on Jammu and Kashmir, and reiterated that the Union Territory is an integral part of India. Here's all you need to know

'Put your house in order': India links Indus Water Treaty directly to Pakistan's cross-border terrorism in sharp UN showdown

A man from Pakistan-occupied Kashmir has been sent back by India month after he illegally crossed border to meet Snapchat lover from a village in Jammu and Kashmir's Uri. The man identified as Zeeshan Mir, a resident of Muzaffarabad district in PoK fell in love with Iram Majeed, a resident of Uri in Jammu and Kashmir, after the two connected on Snapchat. After completing the investigation and security procedures, Mir was handed over to Pakistan Army officials at the Kaman Aman Setu crossing on July 4 (Saturday). Approximately a month ago, on Jun 1, Indian Army spotted him approaching from the other side of the Line of Control (LoC) in the Silikote area of Uri and detained him. According to army officials, the online romance eventually prompted Mir to cross the LoC illegally in a bid to meet her.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pahalgam-attack-im-indias-daughter-seema-haider-pleads-to-pm-modi-up-cm-yogi-adityanath-claims-she-is-hindu-amid-pakistan-visa-ban-indian-government-9004995">'Let me stay, I'm India's daughter': Seema Haider pleads to PM Modi, claims she is 'Hindu' amid Pakistan visa ban</a><h2>What actually happened?</h2>The two reportedly started talking since May 2025 and with Iram confessing: "I can’t really say when it happened, but before we knew it, we had fallen in love." Sometime around May 30-31, Mir crossed the border into Indian side and texted Iram: “Main pahunch chuka hoon (I have arrived).” Iram rushed to meet him but by then, he landed into Army checkpoint where questioning began. After initial probe, on May 31, the Army issued an announcement: An “intruder from Pakistan-occupied Kashmir” had been apprehended while he was crossing the LoC in Kashmir’s Uri sector. The soldiers had maintained “restraint while challenging the intruder” and, later in the evening, handed the youth over to the police for “legal proceedings.” On July 4 after sending him back, India &nbsp;Army officials said that Mir was treated with dignity, compassion and due care during his stay in India.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/indian-man-illegally-crosses-pakistan-border-to-meet-online-lover-arrested-8581776">Indian man crosses into Pakistan border to meet online lover</a>&nbsp;Silikote is the last village on the Indian side of the Line of Control (LoC) and Iram is from Tilawari village, which is some 100 metres from the border. Iram’s mother Afroza Begum said that initially the family was angry but then Indian Army intervened, and pointed out that this boy had taken all this trouble just to be with her. " It forced me to think about my wish…I have always wished for a son. God has sent us one. We only hope he is released and allowed to stay here.” Now, with him going back, Iram says she knows he would come back.&nbsp;<h2>Another Seema Haider kind of story?</h2>The story reminds of Seema Haider, who illegally entered India with her four children in 2023 to live with her online game PUBG lover, Sachin Meena. Haider was arrested after entering India but was later granted bail. Despite legal troubles, she continues to reside in the Rabupura area of Greater Noida with Sachin Meena and her children. In February 2026, she reportedly gave birth to a baby boy, marking her second child with Sachin and sixth child overall. She is currently out on bail and must comply with court conditions, which include not leaving her in-laws' residence.

A Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) man allegedly crossed the Line of Control (LoC) after falling in love with a woman from Jammu and Kashmir on Snapchat. The case revives memories of high-profile cross-border romances involving Seema Haider that drew national attention.

A man from Pakistan-occupied Kashmir has been sent back by India month after he illegally crossed border to meet Snapchat lover from a village in Jammu and Kashmir's Uri. The man identified as Zeeshan Mir, a resident of Muzaffarabad district in PoK fell in love with Iram Majeed, a resident of Uri in Jammu and Kashmir, after the two connected on Snapchat. After completing the investigation and security procedures, Mir was handed over to Pakistan Army officials at the Kaman Aman Setu crossing on July 4 (Saturday). Approximately a month ago, on Jun 1, Indian Army spotted him approaching from the other side of the Line of Control (LoC) in the Silikote area of Uri and detained him. According to army officials, the online romance eventually prompted Mir to cross the LoC illegally in a bid to meet her. Also Read: 'Let me stay, I'm India's daughter': Seema Haider pleads to PM Modi, claims she is 'Hindu' amid Pakistan visa ban What actually happened? The two reportedly started talking since May 2025 and with Iram confessing: "I can’t really say when it happened, but before we knew it, we had fallen in love." Sometime around May 30-31, Mir crossed the border into Indian side and texted Iram: “Main pahunch chuka hoon (I have arrived).” Iram rushed to meet him but by then, he landed into Army checkpoint where questioning began. After initial probe, on May 31, the Army issued an announcement: An “intruder from Pakistan-occupied Kashmir” had been apprehended while he was crossing the LoC in Kashmir’s Uri sector. The soldiers had maintained “restraint while challenging the intruder” and, later in the evening, handed the youth over to the police for “legal proceedings.” On July 4 after sending him back, India Army officials said that Mir was treated with dignity, compassion and due care during his stay in India. Also Read: Indian man crosses into Pakistan border to meet online lover Silikote is the last village on the Indian side of the Line of Control (LoC) and Iram is from Tilawari village, which is some 100 metres from the border. Iram’s mother Afroza Begum said that initially the family was angry but then Indian Army intervened, and pointed out that this boy had taken all this trouble just to be with her. " It forced me to think about my wish…I have always wished for a son. God has sent us one. We only hope he is released and allowed to stay here.” Now, with him going back, Iram says she knows he would come back. Another Seema Haider kind of story? The story reminds of Seema Haider, who illegally entered India with her four children in 2023 to live with her online game PUBG lover, Sachin Meena. Haider was arrested after entering India but was later granted bail. Despite legal troubles, she continues to reside in the Rabupura area of Greater Noida with Sachin Meena and her children. In February 2026, she reportedly gave birth to a baby boy, marking her second child with Sachin and sixth child overall. She is currently out on bail and must comply with court conditions, which include not leaving her in-laws' residence.

A Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) man allegedly crossed the Line of Control (LoC) after falling in love with a woman from Jammu and Kashmir on Snapchat. The case revives memories of high-profile cross-border romances involving Seema Haider that drew national attention.

Pakistan-occupied Kashmir man sent back month after he crossed border to meet Snapchat lover in J&K's Uri

As US-Iran peace talks continue despite a tense opening round, US Vice President JD Vance shared a personal perspective on his connection with India and Pakistan. Speaking amid high-stakes diplomatic negotiations, Vance reflected on his family ties and regional understanding while discussions on the Strait of Hormuz, Lebanon, and broader Middle East security remain in focus. What does his South Asian connection mean for US diplomacy in a rapidly changing geopolitical landscape?


US-Iran Peace Talks: US Vice President On His Connection With India & Pakistan

India told the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) that the Indus Waters Treaty is outdated and no longer aligned with present-day realities, while critcising Pakistan for sponsoring terrorism and repeatedly raising bilateral issues at international forums.&nbsp;Speaking during India's right of reply at the 62nd Session of the UNHRC, First Secretary at India's Permanent Mission to the United Nations, Anupama Singh said, “Our position on the Indus Water Treaty is well known. It defies logic that a state which exports terror as an instrument of policy continues to demand the privileges of cooperation predicated on goodwill and friendship. It is equally undeniable that the treaty is now outdated. No technical arrangement can remain frozen in time while the world around it is transformed.”&nbsp;"A treaty negotiated in 1960 cannot be treated as a perpetual entitlement which is insulated from accountability, detached from present-day realities and untouched by the profound changes of the past six decades," Singh added.&nbsp;India placed the Indus Waters Treaty in abeyance after the Pahalgam terror attack that claimed 26 lives. The Centre stated that the move would remain in effect "until Pakistan credibly and irrevocably abjures its support for cross-border terrorism."&nbsp;Pakistan relies on the Indus river system for 80 per cent of its 16 million hectares of agricultural land and accounts for 93 per cent of the country's total water use.&nbsp;The Indian diplomat further criticised Pakistan's record on terrorism, calling it a "Frankenstein state" that fostered extremist groups and later suffered the consequences.&nbsp;"This is the country where the sitting Defence Minister boasts of hosting, training and deploying terrorists as a state policy, and yet Pakistan calls itself a victim of terrorism, indeed a paradox which only Pakistan could sustain. It is a living example of a Frankenstein state, which is shocked when its own monster bites back," Singh had said.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-should-wake-up-and-smell-reality-vance-warns-netanyahu-and-cabinet-over-attacking-iran-deal-1781820404951">'Israel should wake up and smell reality': Vance warns Netanyahu and cabinet over attacking Iran deal</a>&nbsp;She also rejected remarks made by Pakistan and the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation regarding Jammu and Kashmir.&nbsp;"We categorically reject the baseless and malicious allegations made by Pakistan. We also categorically reject the references to J&amp;K made by the OIC. Pakistan's propaganda is designed to mask its domestic failures and support for terrorism," she said.&nbsp;Reaffirming India's position, Singh said Jammu and Kashmir "was, is and will always remain an integral and inalienable part of India" and added that the only unresolved matter is Pakistan's illegal occupation of Indian territories.

India said a treaty negotiated in 1960 cannot be treated as a permanent entitlement, arguing that it must reflect present-day realities and the significant changes of the past six decades.

India told the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) that the Indus Waters Treaty is outdated and no longer aligned with present-day realities, while critcising Pakistan for sponsoring terrorism and repeatedly raising bilateral issues at international forums. Speaking during India's right of reply at the 62nd Session of the UNHRC, First Secretary at India's Permanent Mission to the United Nations, Anupama Singh said, “Our position on the Indus Water Treaty is well known. It defies logic that a state which exports terror as an instrument of policy continues to demand the privileges of cooperation predicated on goodwill and friendship. It is equally undeniable that the treaty is now outdated. No technical arrangement can remain frozen in time while the world around it is transformed.” "A treaty negotiated in 1960 cannot be treated as a perpetual entitlement which is insulated from accountability, detached from present-day realities and untouched by the profound changes of the past six decades," Singh added. India placed the Indus Waters Treaty in abeyance after the Pahalgam terror attack that claimed 26 lives. The Centre stated that the move would remain in effect "until Pakistan credibly and irrevocably abjures its support for cross-border terrorism." Pakistan relies on the Indus river system for 80 per cent of its 16 million hectares of agricultural land and accounts for 93 per cent of the country's total water use. The Indian diplomat further criticised Pakistan's record on terrorism, calling it a "Frankenstein state" that fostered extremist groups and later suffered the consequences. "This is the country where the sitting Defence Minister boasts of hosting, training and deploying terrorists as a state policy, and yet Pakistan calls itself a victim of terrorism, indeed a paradox which only Pakistan could sustain. It is a living example of a Frankenstein state, which is shocked when its own monster bites back," Singh had said. Also Read: 'Israel should wake up and smell reality': Vance warns Netanyahu and cabinet over attacking Iran deal She also rejected remarks made by Pakistan and the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation regarding Jammu and Kashmir. "We categorically reject the baseless and malicious allegations made by Pakistan. We also categorically reject the references to J&K made by the OIC. Pakistan's propaganda is designed to mask its domestic failures and support for terrorism," she said. Reaffirming India's position, Singh said Jammu and Kashmir "was, is and will always remain an integral and inalienable part of India" and added that the only unresolved matter is Pakistan's illegal occupation of Indian territories.

India said a treaty negotiated in 1960 cannot be treated as a permanent entitlement, arguing that it must reflect present-day realities and the significant changes of the past six decades.

'Indus Waters Treaty outdated': India slams 'Frankenstein state' Pakistan at UN

India on Saturday (Jun 6) slammed Pakistan at the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), over “unwarranted references” to Jammu and Kashmir. India’s Permanent Representative to the UN, Parvathaneni Harish, accused Islamabad of repeatedly misusing UN platfowms to push its political agenda and spreading misleading narratives on what New Delhi considers its internal matters.“The unwarranted reference by Pakistan to a matter strictly internal to India, the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir, has compelled me to respond,” Harish said, speaking at the UNGA plenary meeting on the Annual Report of the UN Security Council.His remarks come after Pakistan’s Permanent Representative to the UN, Asim Iftikhar Ahmad, mentioned Jammu and Kashmir, reiterating Islamabad’s position that the dispute should be resolved in accordance with UN Security Council resolutions.In a sharp reply, Harish said, “Pakistan has decided not to spare this forum either from their characteristic misuse of august UN platforms for their divisive political interests. I’d like to remind Pakistan that being a member of the UN Security Council is a huge responsibility. It’s not a forum for peddling biased and false narratives.”He also accused Pakistan of spreading “misinformed and misleading communications” at the UN Security Council. Reaffirming India’s long-standing position, Harish said that there was no ambiguity regarding the status of the region.“Jammu and Kashmir was, is, and will always remain an integral and inalienable part of India. Any assertions to the contrary are baseless, devoid of and inconsistent with historical facts,” he said.“Empty rhetoric and hollow claims by Pakistan would not change this fundamental reality,” Harish added.Harish also called for reforms, urging expansion in both the permanent and non-permanent categories of Security Council membership, stressing that retaining the status quo would undermine the body’s effectiveness in the future.During his address, he also congratulated Austria, Kyrgyzstan, Portugal, Trinidad and Tobago and Zimbabwe on their election to the UN Security Council for the 2027-28 term.

India rebuked Pakistan at the UNGA for raising Jammu and Kashmir, calling it an internal matter. New Delhi accused Islamabad of spreading false narratives and reaffirmed J&K as an integral part of India.

India on Saturday (Jun 6) slammed Pakistan at the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), over “unwarranted references” to Jammu and Kashmir. India’s Permanent Representative to the UN, Parvathaneni Harish, accused Islamabad of repeatedly misusing UN platfowms to push its political agenda and spreading misleading narratives on what New Delhi considers its internal matters. “The unwarranted reference by Pakistan to a matter strictly internal to India, the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir, has compelled me to respond,” Harish said, speaking at the UNGA plenary meeting on the Annual Report of the UN Security Council. His remarks come after Pakistan’s Permanent Representative to the UN, Asim Iftikhar Ahmad, mentioned Jammu and Kashmir, reiterating Islamabad’s position that the dispute should be resolved in accordance with UN Security Council resolutions. In a sharp reply, Harish said, “Pakistan has decided not to spare this forum either from their characteristic misuse of august UN platforms for their divisive political interests. I’d like to remind Pakistan that being a member of the UN Security Council is a huge responsibility. It’s not a forum for peddling biased and false narratives.” He also accused Pakistan of spreading “misinformed and misleading communications” at the UN Security Council. Reaffirming India’s long-standing position, Harish said that there was no ambiguity regarding the status of the region. “Jammu and Kashmir was, is, and will always remain an integral and inalienable part of India. Any assertions to the contrary are baseless, devoid of and inconsistent with historical facts,” he said. “Empty rhetoric and hollow claims by Pakistan would not change this fundamental reality,” Harish added. Harish also called for reforms, urging expansion in both the permanent and non-permanent categories of Security Council membership, stressing that retaining the status quo would undermine the body’s effectiveness in the future. During his address, he also congratulated Austria, Kyrgyzstan, Portugal, Trinidad and Tobago and Zimbabwe on their election to the UN Security Council for the 2027-28 term.

India rebuked Pakistan at the UNGA for raising Jammu and Kashmir, calling it an internal matter. New Delhi accused Islamabad of spreading false narratives and reaffirmed J&amp;K as an integral part of India.

‘J&K was, is, and will always remain integral part of India’: New Delhi Slams Pakistan at UNGA

India on Tuesday (May 26) delivered a sharp rebuttal against Pakistan and China's joint statement that contained references to Jammu and Kashmir. Speaking at the UN Security Council, India's Permanent Ambassador to the United Nations, Parvathaneni Harish, accused Islamabad of continuing to sponsor cross-border terrorism and religious extremism while hiding behind "hollow rhetoric" about peace and the UN Charter. He further noted that Pakistan will have to face consequences for its sponsorship of terrorism.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/cockroach-janata-party-founder-reacts-to-pakistan-followers-claim-says-i-know-you-are-desperately-trying-to-1779436144996">Cockroach Janta Party founder reacts to 'Pakistan followers' claim, says ‘I know you are desperately trying to...’</a><h2>Pakistan will have to face consequences</h2>Speaking during the UNSC Open Debate on "Upholding the Purposes and Principles of the UN Charter," India’s Permanent Representative to the UN, Parvathaneni Harish, said Pakistan must understand that there would be consequences for backing terrorism against India.In one of India’s sharpest attacks at the UN in recent months, the envoy accused Pakistan of continuously promoting terrorism, violent radicalism and anti-India rhetoric since its creation. "Pakistan's harnessing of the malevolent forces of terrorism, religious extremism, violent radicalism, and anti-India rhetoric has continued unabated since its creation," he said.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a> | At UNSC Open Debate, Permanent Representative of India to the UN in New York, Ambassador Parvathaneni Harish says, &quot;I am compelled to respond to baseless and unwarranted remarks made by Pakistan today. India would like to set the facts straight. Independent India began… <a href="https://t.co/jFu7o8SEm3">pic.twitter.com/jFu7o8SEm3</a>&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/2059461096411648025?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 27, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Harish also directly referred to Pakistan’s long-criticised strategy of "bleeding India by a thousand cuts," saying the doctrine exposed Islamabad’s "hollow commitment" to the principles of sovereignty, territorial integrity and peaceful coexistence under the UN Charter. "Through its continued sponsorship of cross-border terrorism, Pakistan has violated the principles of sovereignty and territorial integrity," he added.<h2>India rejects China, Pakistan's joint statement</h2>The remarks came amid fresh diplomatic tensions after Pakistan and China issued a joint statement that included references to Jammu and Kashmir, triggering a strong reaction from New Delhi. India’s Ministry of External Affairs rejected the remarks outright, reiterating that Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh "were, are and will always remain integral and inalienable parts of India."Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pakistan-two-timed-trump-report-reveals-islamabad-quietly-sheltered-iranian-military-aircraft-while-brokering-peace-talks-1778551810479">Pakistan two-timed Trump? Report REVEALS Islamabad quietly sheltered Iranian military aircraft while playing mediator in Iran war</a>Responding to the China-Pakistan statement, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said no other country had the "locus standi" to comment on the issue. "India categorically rejects unwarranted references to the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir in the joint statement between China and Pakistan. India's position is consistent and well known to the concerned parties. The Union Territories of Jammu &amp; Kashmir and Ladakh have been, are and will always remain integral and inalienable parts of India. No other country has the locus standi to comment on the same," he said.India also once again objected to projects under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). "We resolutely oppose and reject any moves by other countries to reinforce or legitimise Pakistan's illegal and forcible occupation of these territories, impinging on India's sovereignty and territorial integrity," Jaiswal said.

India has hit back hard after China and Pakistan mentioned Jammu and Kashmir in a joint statement, with New Delhi accusing Islamabad of sponsoring terrorism while hiding behind “peace” rhetoric. India also warned Pakistan that there would be consequences for its cross-border terror activities

India on Tuesday (May 26) delivered a sharp rebuttal against Pakistan and China's joint statement that contained references to Jammu and Kashmir. Speaking at the UN Security Council, India's Permanent Ambassador to the United Nations, Parvathaneni Harish, accused Islamabad of continuing to sponsor cross-border terrorism and religious extremism while hiding behind "hollow rhetoric" about peace and the UN Charter. He further noted that Pakistan will have to face consequences for its sponsorship of terrorism. Also read | Cockroach Janta Party founder reacts to 'Pakistan followers' claim, says ‘I know you are desperately trying to...’ Pakistan will have to face consequences Speaking during the UNSC Open Debate on "Upholding the Purposes and Principles of the UN Charter," India’s Permanent Representative to the UN, Parvathaneni Harish, said Pakistan must understand that there would be consequences for backing terrorism against India. In one of India’s sharpest attacks at the UN in recent months, the envoy accused Pakistan of continuously promoting terrorism, violent radicalism and anti-India rhetoric since its creation. "Pakistan's harnessing of the malevolent forces of terrorism, religious extremism, violent radicalism, and anti-India rhetoric has continued unabated since its creation," he said.

India has hit back hard after China and Pakistan mentioned Jammu and Kashmir in a joint statement, with New Delhi accusing Islamabad of sponsoring terrorism while hiding behind “peace” rhetoric. India also warned Pakistan that there would be consequences for its cross-border terror activities

'Pakistan will face consequences': India delivers sharp warning at UN over cross-border terrorism

An IndiGo pilot has taken social media by storm after posting a breathtaking night-time view of the India-Pakistan border from the cockpit of his aircraft. Captain Pradeep Krishnan shared the rare aerial footage online, leaving social media users awestruck by the glowing line of lights at the heavily guarded border against the dark landscape during a late-night journey. The viral video captured a continuous trail of yellow floodlights stretching across the landscape.In the viral clip, Captain Krishnan could be heard making an announcement to passengers onboard as the plane flies over the Radcliffe Line, with clusters of lights marking border outposts and security installations on both sides.“Ladies and gentlemen, if you look outside the aircraft, you might capture a glimpse of one of the most sensitive, heavily guarded borders of the world, India and Pakistan border,” he said.In the caption, he wrote on Instagram, “They say you can spot the India-Pakistan border from space at night — a glowing line of lights visible even from orbit.”The video quickly went viral on social media, gaining over 38 million views and over 1.6 million reactions. Meanwhile, the comment section was flooded with different responses.

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overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/reel/DYq3n8BovMf/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none;" target="_blank">A post shared by Pradeep Krishnan (@capt_pradeepkrishnan)</a></div></blockquote>
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“Beautiful people on both sides divided by ugliness of border politics,” one user wrote. Another said, “Borders only around the countries, not our hearts.” A user drew parallels, “It’s like the two seas together but never mixing together! Just so near yet so far!”“Why is that equally beautiful and sad? We could have been one nation… the partition carries traumas and pain which could be felt through the video somehow,” one wrote.Meanwhile, many users were seen jokingly commenting, “Who pays the electricity bill on the border, India or Pakistan?”

An IndiGo pilot’s viral cockpit video showing the glowing India-Pakistan border at night left social media users emotional and amazed over the rare aerial view of the heavily guarded border.

An IndiGo pilot has taken social media by storm after posting a breathtaking night-time view of the India-Pakistan border from the cockpit of his aircraft. Captain Pradeep Krishnan shared the rare aerial footage online, leaving social media users awestruck by the glowing line of lights at the heavily guarded border against the dark landscape during a late-night journey. The viral video captured a continuous trail of yellow floodlights stretching across the landscape. In the viral clip, Captain Krishnan could be heard making an announcement to passengers onboard as the plane flies over the Radcliffe Line, with clusters of lights marking border outposts and security installations on both sides. “Ladies and gentlemen, if you look outside the aircraft, you might capture a glimpse of one of the most sensitive, heavily guarded borders of the world, India and Pakistan border,” he said. In the caption, he wrote on Instagram, “They say you can spot the India-Pakistan border from space at night — a glowing line of lights visible even from orbit.” The video quickly went viral on social media, gaining over 38 million views and over 1.6 million reactions. Meanwhile, the comment section was flooded with different responses.

An IndiGo pilot’s viral cockpit video showing the glowing India-Pakistan border at night left social media users emotional and amazed over the rare aerial view of the heavily guarded border.

WATCH | IndiGo pilot captures rare night view of India-Pakistan border, video goes viral

India has slammed Pakistan United Nations Security Council (UNSC) for attempting to interfere in India's internal issues while not speaking about its genocidal act against neighbouring nations. In a strongly worded speech on Thursday (May 21), India’s Permanent Representative to the UN, Harish Parvathaneni, slammed the country of carrying out cross-border violence in Afghanistan that caused hundreds of civilian deaths and injuries. Putting Pakistan's horrible record in front of the world, the Indian envoy listed its attack on its own people during the 1971 Bangladesh Liberation War, referring to Operation Searchlight. He also said that the country ignored global calls to uphold international humanitarian obligations. India reiterated that states supporting cross-border terrorism must be held accountable and stressed that protection of civilians should remain central to the UN Security Council’s peace and security efforts.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">Indian Envoy to UN P Harish raises the issue of Pakistan attacks in Afghanistan last month &amp; violations in 🇧🇩 in 1971. Says,&quot;it was during the holy month of Ramadan in March this year Pakistan conducted a barbaric airstrike on the Omid Addiction Treatment Hospital in Kabul&quot; <a href="https://t.co/qxijuexRxd">pic.twitter.com/qxijuexRxd</a>&mdash; Sidhant Sibal (@sidhant) <a href="https://twitter.com/sidhant/status/2057273682817699856?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 21, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<h2>What India’s UN envoy said?</h2>&nbsp;“It is ironic that Pakistan, with its long-tainted record of genocidal acts, has chosen to refer to issues that are strictly internal to India," he said. Parvathaneni's response came as Pakistan attempted to rake up Jammu and Kashmir issue at the UN Security Council’s open debate. About 1971 Bangladesh Liberation War, Parvathaneni said, “During Operation Searchlight in 1971, Pakistan sanctioned the systematic campaign of genocidal mass rape of 400,000 women citizens by its own army. Such inhuman conduct reflects Pakistan's repeated attempts over decades to externalize internal failures through increasingly desperate acts of violence both within and beyond its borders. With no faith, no law, and no morality the world can see through Pakistan's propaganda.”&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/journalist-who-questioned-mea-says-instagram-facebook-suspended-what-happened-in-norway-1779243139618">Norwegian journalist in heated MEA exchange says Instagram, Facebook suddenly suspended: What’s happening?</a>&nbsp;About Afghanistan, he said, "The world has not forgotten that it was during the holy month of Ramadan in March this year, at a time of peace, reflection, and mercy, that Pakistan conducted a barbaric airstrike on the Omid Addiction Treatment Hospital in Kabul. Again, according to UNAMA, this cowardly and unconscionable act of violence claimed the lives of 269 civilians and injured a further 122 in a facility which can by no means be justified as a military target," he said.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/-right-to-change-govt-mea-counters-norway-journalist-s-why-should-we-trust-you-question-1779156603780">'Right to change govt...': MEA counters Norway journalist’s 'why should we trust you' question - VIDEO</a>&nbsp;In conclusion, India’s UN envoy Parvathaneni urged the global community to “restore and ensure respect for international humanitarian law, strengthen accountability, ensure humanitarian access, protect medical care, responsibly govern emerging technologies and thereby alleviate the suffering of civilians affected by armed conflict.”

India criticised Pakistan at the UN Security Council over cross-border violence in Afghanistan, attacks on civilians and hospitals, and atrocities during the 1971 Bangladesh war. The remarks came after Pakistan raised Jammu and Kashmir during the debate on civilian protection.


India has slammed Pakistan United Nations Security Council (UNSC) for attempting to interfere in India's internal issues while not speaking about its genocidal act against neighbouring nations. In a strongly worded speech on Thursday (May 21), India’s Permanent Representative to the UN, Harish Parvathaneni, slammed the country of carrying out cross-border violence in Afghanistan that caused hundreds of civilian deaths and injuries. Putting Pakistan's horrible record in front of the world, the Indian envoy listed its attack on its own people during the 1971 Bangladesh Liberation War, referring to Operation Searchlight. He also said that the country ignored global calls to uphold international humanitarian obligations. India reiterated that states supporting cross-border terrorism must be held accountable and stressed that protection of civilians should remain central to the UN Security Council’s peace and security efforts.

India criticised Pakistan at the UN Security Council over cross-border violence in Afghanistan, attacks on civilians and hospitals, and atrocities during the 1971 Bangladesh war. The remarks came after Pakistan raised Jammu and Kashmir during the debate on civilian protection.

'Its long-tainted record of genocidal acts...': India tears into Pakistan's at UNSC after Kashmir remarks - VIDEO

As India on Thursday (May 7) held a press conference marking the valour of Indian armed forces during Operation Sindoor last year, Pakistan held a similar media briefing. The media event focused on Islamabad, insisting that India's response to one of the deadliest civilian attacks in the Kashmir Valley in recent memory, the heinous Pahalgam terror attack, which killed 26 people, 25 Indian nationals and one Nepalese citizen, was unprovoked. However, one moment of Pakistan's presser held by Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) Director General, Lt Gen Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry, alongside senior officials from the Navy and Air Force, has left the internet in splits: Pakistani senior officials pouting over India's use of English in the Op Sindoor anniversary press conference.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/-not-just-a-slogan-former-dgmo-lt-gen-ghai-hails-operation-sindoor-as-a-victory-for-india-s-atmanirbhar-push-1778141929277">'Not just a slogan': Former DGMO Lt Gen Ghai hails Operation Sindoor as a victory for India's Atmanirbhar push</a><h2>'Why are they speaking English?'</h2>Pakistan's Lt Gen Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry had a peculiar problem with India's remarks during the Operation Sindoor anniversary press conference: "Why are they speaking English?" he questioned, before speculating, "Is it because you want to tell the world what happened?".A video of the ISPR chief's bizarre meltdown is going viral on social media, with netizens mocking the Pakistani general.Poking fun at the peculiar remark, netizens commented, "This might be the most brain-rotted, clown-shoe take I’ve heard in years."

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Someone tell him Hindi is neither the only nor the official language of India. We’re a multilingual country with diverse cultures and languages. English is widely used because it connects both non-Hindi states and the world. India doesn’t impose one language or one culture on…&mdash; Ratnesh Paliya (@Krishna300998) <a href="https://twitter.com/Krishna300998/status/2052381031798366608?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 7, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

"Someone tell him Hindi is neither the only nor the official language of India. We’re a multilingual country with diverse cultures and languages. English is widely used because it connects both non-Hindi states and the world. India doesn’t impose one language or one culture on everyone," noted another. Notably, India boasts the second-largest English-speaking population globally, with approximately 125–135 million speakers, trailing only the United States.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/tamil-nadu-political-crisis-tvk-threatens-mass-resignation-as-governor-blocks-thalapathy-vijay-from-forming-government-1778207098450">Tamil Nadu political crisis: TVK threatens mass resignation as governor blocks Thalapathy Vijay from forming government</a><h2>Pakistan claims Operation Sindoor was "unprovoked"</h2>Speaking at what Pakistan called the Marka-i-Haq, or Battle of Truth briefing, the Pakistani generals also falsely claimed that India's anti-terror Operation Sindoor was "unprovoked," and repeated claims that Pak military downed many Indian jets. The assertion has been repeatedly refuted by India, and Islamabad is yet to offer any solid proof to back the claims.On the other hand, at India's press conference, India's Air Marshal AK Bharti listed, in detail, the damage India inflicted on Pakistan during the four-day India-Pakistan conflict last year. "We struck and decimated their 9 terrorist camps on 7th May. The proof is there for everybody to see. We struck 11 of their airfields. We destroyed 13 of their aircraft either on the ground or in the air, including one high-value airborne asset at a record distance of 300 kilometres plus," he said.

Islamabad's presser on India-Pakistan 4-day war took an unexpected turn when its top military spokesperson appeared baffled that India used English, asking, “Why speak in English?” The remark has since gone viral, drawing widespread mockery online. Watch it HERE.

As India on Thursday (May 7) held a press conference marking the valour of Indian armed forces during Operation Sindoor last year, Pakistan held a similar media briefing. The media event focused on Islamabad, insisting that India's response to one of the deadliest civilian attacks in the Kashmir Valley in recent memory, the heinous Pahalgam terror attack, which killed 26 people, 25 Indian nationals and one Nepalese citizen, was unprovoked. However, one moment of Pakistan's presser held by Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) Director General, Lt Gen Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry, alongside senior officials from the Navy and Air Force, has left the internet in splits: Pakistani senior officials pouting over India's use of English in the Op Sindoor anniversary press conference. Also read | 'Not just a slogan': Former DGMO Lt Gen Ghai hails Operation Sindoor as a victory for India's Atmanirbhar push 'Why are they speaking English?' Pakistan's Lt Gen Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry had a peculiar problem with India's remarks during the Operation Sindoor anniversary press conference: "Why are they speaking English?" he questioned, before speculating, "Is it because you want to tell the world what happened?". A video of the ISPR chief's bizarre meltdown is going viral on social media, with netizens mocking the Pakistani general. Poking fun at the peculiar remark, netizens commented, "This might be the most brain-rotted, clown-shoe take I’ve heard in years."

Islamabad's presser on India-Pakistan 4-day war took an unexpected turn when its top military spokesperson appeared baffled that India used English, asking, “Why speak in English?” The remark has since gone viral, drawing widespread mockery online. Watch it HERE.

'Why speak in English?': Pakistan's bizarre meltdown over India's Operation Sindoor press conference goes VIRAL | WATCH

On the anniversary of Operation Sindoor, the Indian Air Force has stated that over 100 Pakistani soldiers and around 100 terrorists were killed during the operation. The statement highlights the scale and intensity of the cross-border military action, which targeted militant infrastructure and hostile positions. The operation is being recalled as a major counter-terror response by India, marking a significant moment in regional security developments.


Operation Sindoor Anniversary | IAF: Over 100 Pak Soldiers & Around 100 Terrorists Killed

As India marked the first anniversary of Operation Sindoor on Thursday (May 07), the Ministry of External Affairs strongly criticised Pakistan over its continued support for cross-border terrorism and reiterated that the Indus Waters Treaty would remain in abeyance.&nbsp;During a press briefing in New Delhi, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal recalled the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack and said India had responded firmly against terror infrastructure operating from across the border.&nbsp;“The entire world saw the Pahalgam terrorist attack for what it was. We gave a befitting reply to Pakistan for its sponsorship of cross-border terrorism,” Jaiswal said.&nbsp;He asserted that Pakistan has long used terrorism as an instrument of state policy and stressed that India reserves the right to defend itself against such threats.&nbsp;“The Indus Water Treaty stands in abeyance in response to Pakistan’s sponsorship of cross-border terrorism. Pakistan must credibly and irrevocably abjure its support for cross-border terrorism,” he added.&nbsp;All gates of the Baglihar Dam on the Chenab River remain closed even after one year of the treaty being kept in abeyance.&nbsp;Operation Sindoor was launched on May 7, 2025, as India’s large-scale military response to the Pahalgam terror attack that killed 26 civilians. The 88-hour operation involved precision strikes on terror hubs in Bahawalpur and Muridke in Pakistan.&nbsp;The military campaign also triggered the suspension of diplomatic engagement and the Indus Waters Treaty, signalling India’s new zero-tolerance approach towards cross-border terrorism.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-elections-2026-polling-underway-across-england-scotland-and-wales-in-major-political-test-for-starmer-govt-1778156976318">UK elections 2026: Polling underway across England, Scotland and Wales in major political test for Starmer govt</a><h2>PM Modi praises armed forces</h2>&nbsp;Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid tribute to the armed forces on the anniversary of the operation and said the mission demonstrated India’s resolve against terrorism.&nbsp;“A year ago, our armed forces displayed unparalleled courage, precision and resolve during Operation Sindoor. They gave a fitting response to those who dared to attack innocent Indians at Pahalgam. The entire nation salutes our forces for their valour,” Modi wrote on X.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">A year ago, our armed forces displayed unparalleled courage, precision and resolve during <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/OperationSindoor?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#OperationSindoor</a>. They gave a fitting response to those who dared to attack innocent Indians at Pahalgam. The entire nation salutes our forces for their valour. Operation Sindoor reflected…&mdash; Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/2052231018845790432?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 7, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

He stated that the operation highlighted the professionalism, preparedness and coordinated strength of India’s armed forces while also reflecting the country’s growing self-reliance in the defence sector.&nbsp;“Today, a year later, we remain as steadfast as ever in our resolve to defeat terrorism and destroy its enabling ecosystem,” the Prime Minister added.

The suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty following the Pahalgam attack marked a major shift in bilateral relations between the two countries. A year later, India continues to maintain the treaty in abeyance.

As India marked the first anniversary of Operation Sindoor on Thursday (May 07), the Ministry of External Affairs strongly criticised Pakistan over its continued support for cross-border terrorism and reiterated that the Indus Waters Treaty would remain in abeyance. During a press briefing in New Delhi, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal recalled the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack and said India had responded firmly against terror infrastructure operating from across the border. “The entire world saw the Pahalgam terrorist attack for what it was. We gave a befitting reply to Pakistan for its sponsorship of cross-border terrorism,” Jaiswal said. He asserted that Pakistan has long used terrorism as an instrument of state policy and stressed that India reserves the right to defend itself against such threats. “The Indus Water Treaty stands in abeyance in response to Pakistan’s sponsorship of cross-border terrorism. Pakistan must credibly and irrevocably abjure its support for cross-border terrorism,” he added. All gates of the Baglihar Dam on the Chenab River remain closed even after one year of the treaty being kept in abeyance. Operation Sindoor was launched on May 7, 2025, as India’s large-scale military response to the Pahalgam terror attack that killed 26 civilians. The 88-hour operation involved precision strikes on terror hubs in Bahawalpur and Muridke in Pakistan. The military campaign also triggered the suspension of diplomatic engagement and the Indus Waters Treaty, signalling India’s new zero-tolerance approach towards cross-border terrorism. Also Read: UK elections 2026: Polling underway across England, Scotland and Wales in major political test for Starmer govt PM Modi praises armed forces Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid tribute to the armed forces on the anniversary of the operation and said the mission demonstrated India’s resolve against terrorism. “A year ago, our armed forces displayed unparalleled courage, precision and resolve during Operation Sindoor. They gave a fitting response to those who dared to attack innocent Indians at Pahalgam. The entire nation salutes our forces for their valour,” Modi wrote on X.

The suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty following the Pahalgam attack marked a major shift in bilateral relations between the two countries. A year later, India continues to maintain the treaty in abeyance.

Indus Waters Treaty remains suspended over Pakistan-backed terrorism: MEA on Op Sindoor anniversary

Indian newsrooms changed ever since the Pahalgam terror attack of April 22, 2025. The mood shifted. Shock, reflection, and anticipation of India's response replaced the usual noise and debates. A heaviness in the air was palpable when the enormity of the event became apparent by the evening: 26 innocent civilians were killed in one of the deadliest terror attacks in India. Horrifying images and survivor accounts trickled from the remote hill station, first through social media and then turned into a flood that filled Indian screens and devices. As someone shared on social media with the image of a woman sitting near her dead husband, it was 'All Eyes on Pahalgam'. The terror attack dominated every discussion in the subsequent days.&nbsp;Who were the attackers? How did they infiltrate? And the lingering question was: How and when would India respond? And if it did, how big would that response be?Even while reporting on the attack calmly, one could sense the anger building across the country. In the first week of May, signs started appearing of India's massive response to Pakistan-based terrorism. Mock drills. Civil defence rehearsals. Blackout exercises. Increased military chatter. Unusual troop movements along the border.Inside the newsroom, the conversations shifted from 'will India respond' to 'when will India respond'. Nobody said it loudly, but everybody knew it was just a matter of time. All of us could feel it:&nbsp;something was coming.&nbsp;Suddenly, every news alert felt important. Every defence source message was read twice. We were glued to the screens and refreshing our social media feeds to find out and break the news first on the developments along the border. Defence beat reporters barely slept for days. Anticipation was building in the newsroom, as India waited for the moment of closure, which was already decided somewhere behind closed doors. On the intervening night of May 6-7, just after midnight, something stirred, and nobody in the newsroom was thinking of going home. Around 1 AM, the first confirmation came in. India had launched strikes targeting the terror infrastructure in Pakistan. Phones ringing, keyboards clacking, TV anchors screaming, breaking news, and fiery graphics filling the screens.&nbsp;This is no longer a speculation. This is not a drill. This is, Operation Sindoor. We were not just reporting news. We were writing history. As it unfolded in real time before our eyes. The phrase 'Operation Sindoor' took over every screen in the newsroom. Anchors rushed back to studios. Producers rewrote rundowns. Guests were patched in from the wee hours into daybreak and more. Graphics teams scrambled for maps and timelines.&nbsp;The Indian Army posted three words on social media that instantly spread across every newsroom, every television screen, and every Indian phone that night: 'Justice is served'. Those words changed the feeling inside the newsroom. For days, we had covered funerals, mourning families, and unanswered questions after Pahalgam.But now, for the first time since April 22, there was a sense that India had answered. The following days were about making sense of the chaos.&nbsp;Daily press briefings. Drone and missile strikes caught on shaky social media footage. Grainy satellite images. Border shelling updates from Jammu and Kashmir and other areas. Air defence systems activated. Global reactions. Nuclear escalation fears amid reports of missile strikes near some strategic Pakistani facilities. Claims and counterclaims from Pakistan. Misinformation. Disinformation. Propaganda from the neighbouring country masquerading as news.&nbsp;Every few minutes brought another 'breaking' update. Somewhere amid all the noise, exhaustion disappeared. These were not ordinary days and nights for a newsperson. Adrenaline had kicked in. Shift timings did not matter anymore. The whole war was one single shift. Nobody looked away from their screens because deep down, every journalist knew they were covering one of the biggest stories of the year, maybe even of the decade.&nbsp;In the media field, we are taught to stay detached from the story. But some nights make that impossible. Operation Sindoor was one of them. It was felt in the guts. And reported from the hearts.&nbsp;Disclaimer: The views of the writer do not represent the views of WION or ZMCL. Nor does WION or ZMCL endorse the views of the writer.

Operation Sindoor explained: From the Pahalgam terror attack to India’s midnight precision strikes, border firing, mock drills, and nuclear war fears — here’s the complete story of India’s 2025 military response against terror

Indian newsrooms changed ever since the Pahalgam terror attack of April 22, 2025. The mood shifted. Shock, reflection, and anticipation of India's response replaced the usual noise and debates. A heaviness in the air was palpable when the enormity of the event became apparent by the evening: 26 innocent civilians were killed in one of the deadliest terror attacks in India. Horrifying images and survivor accounts trickled from the remote hill station, first through social media and then turned into a flood that filled Indian screens and devices. As someone shared on social media with the image of a woman sitting near her dead husband, it was 'All Eyes on Pahalgam'. The terror attack dominated every discussion in the subsequent days. Who were the attackers? How did they infiltrate? And the lingering question was: How and when would India respond? And if it did, how big would that response be? Even while reporting on the attack calmly, one could sense the anger building across the country. In the first week of May, signs started appearing of India's massive response to Pakistan-based terrorism. Mock drills. Civil defence rehearsals. Blackout exercises. Increased military chatter. Unusual troop movements along the border. Inside the newsroom, the conversations shifted from 'will India respond' to 'when will India respond'. Nobody said it loudly, but everybody knew it was just a matter of time. All of us could feel it: something was coming. Suddenly, every news alert felt important. Every defence source message was read twice. We were glued to the screens and refreshing our social media feeds to find out and break the news first on the developments along the border. Defence beat reporters barely slept for days. Anticipation was building in the newsroom, as India waited for the moment of closure, which was already decided somewhere behind closed doors. On the intervening night of May 6-7, just after midnight, something stirred, and nobody in the newsroom was thinking of going home. Around 1 AM, the first confirmation came in. India had launched strikes targeting the terror infrastructure in Pakistan. Phones ringing, keyboards clacking, TV anchors screaming, breaking news, and fiery graphics filling the screens. This is no longer a speculation. This is not a drill. This is, Operation Sindoor. We were not just reporting news. We were writing history. As it unfolded in real time before our eyes. The phrase 'Operation Sindoor' took over every screen in the newsroom. Anchors rushed back to studios. Producers rewrote rundowns. Guests were patched in from the wee hours into daybreak and more. Graphics teams scrambled for maps and timelines. The Indian Army posted three words on social media that instantly spread across every newsroom, every television screen, and every Indian phone that night: 'Justice is served'. Those words changed the feeling inside the newsroom. For days, we had covered funerals, mourning families, and unanswered questions after Pahalgam. But now, for the first time since April 22, there was a sense that India had answered. The following days were about making sense of the chaos. Daily press briefings. Drone and missile strikes caught on shaky social media footage. Grainy satellite images. Border shelling updates from Jammu and Kashmir and other areas. Air defence systems activated. Global reactions. Nuclear escalation fears amid reports of missile strikes near some strategic Pakistani facilities. Claims and counterclaims from Pakistan. Misinformation. Disinformation. Propaganda from the neighbouring country masquerading as news. Every few minutes brought another 'breaking' update. Somewhere amid all the noise, exhaustion disappeared. These were not ordinary days and nights for a newsperson. Adrenaline had kicked in. Shift timings did not matter anymore. The whole war was one single shift. Nobody looked away from their screens because deep down, every journalist knew they were covering one of the biggest stories of the year, maybe even of the decade. In the media field, we are taught to stay detached from the story. But some nights make that impossible. Operation Sindoor was one of them. It was felt in the guts. And reported from the hearts. Disclaimer: The views of the writer do not represent the views of WION or ZMCL. Nor does WION or ZMCL endorse the views of the writer.

Operation Sindoor, launched on May 7, 2025, by the Indian Armed Forces, marked India’s powerful response to the Pahalgam terror attack

Operation Sindoor in the newsroom: Covering history in sleepless nights

On the first anniversary of Operation Sindoor, the Indian Air Force has released a special commemorative video highlighting the mission, its strategic significance, and the strength of India’s air power. The video showcases key moments, operational readiness, and the armed forces’ capabilities, marking a year since the landmark operation. Stay tuned for more defence updates and exclusive coverage.


Operation Sindoor Anniversary: IAF Shares Special Video On First Anniversary

New Delhi: In February, Indians and Pakistanis met in Doha for Track 2 talks even as, officially, the ties between the two countries remain frosty. The Doha round was not the first in recent months, but it comes at a time when ties remain cold, as India remains concerned over cross-border terrorism supported by Pakistan in the aftermath of the Pahalgam terror attack.&nbsp;For India and Pakistan, the backchannel track 2 has been continuing for decades. At one point, nearly 20 such dialogues ran simultaneously.&nbsp;Inputs from these help make an assessment when ties remain snapped, as they are currently. No breakthrough is expected from such engagement, but it is seen as a channel of informal communication away from public glare. No press releases are issued, no statements are made after these meetings, and above all, no one will confirm or deny them.&nbsp;The Neemrana Dialogue has been, in the past, one of the longest-running dialogues, bringing together voices from both sides.&nbsp;Track 2 is not new. The term, coined in 1981 by American diplomat Joseph Montville, describes informal, non-structured talks between non-officials, often former officials, journalists, business leaders, and civil society voices. The goal is to build trust, test ideas, and create space for understanding, away from the glare of politics and media.&nbsp;Unlike Track 1, formal government-to-government negotiations like the Camp David Accords, Track 2 offers deniability and flexibility. A hybrid version, Track 1.5, mixes serving officials (acting unofficially) with outsiders. This pattern repeats globally when relations sour. For example, the Oslo Accords, the initial phase (1993), when unofficial meetings in Norway between Israeli academics and PLO representatives took place.&nbsp;After the deadly 2020 Galwan Valley clash, India and China froze much official contact. But Track 2 exchanges helped keep lines open. High-level signals of thaw followed: Prime Minister Narendra Modi met President Xi Jinping on the sidelines of the SCO summit in Tianjin in 2025. Direct flights resumed in October 2025 after five years. Cross-border trade mechanisms and people-to-people contacts are slowly returning. Xi may even visit India for the BRICS summit later this year.&nbsp;In 2022, when war broke out in Ukraine, India quietly engaged in Track 2 and Track 1.5 forums with Europeans, Russians, and Ukrainians. Civil society groups and former officials explored humanitarian solutions and de-escalation ideas while New Delhi maintained its public stance of strategic autonomy.&nbsp;Even with Canada, when ties were at a low point after accusations over the killing of Hardeep Singh Nijjar, pragmatism prevailed after track 1.5 diplomacy. Meetings between PM Modi and Prime Minister Mark Carney at the G7 in June 2025 and G20 in November helped stabilise ties. High commissioners returned. Carney’s visit to India in early 2026 delivered concrete outcomes: talks on a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) to push bilateral trade towards $50 billion by 2030, plus cooperation in energy, critical minerals, defence and nuclear issues. Political differences were set aside for economic and strategic gains.&nbsp;From Pakistan to China, from Canada to conflicts, Track 2 diplomacy has proved its worth in a fractured world. It does not replace official talks but provides an opportunity to exchange notes and sometimes be part of heated debate, but above all it also provides space for quiet conversations. In some cases, it may provide a channel of communication; in other cases, seeds for future breakthroughs.

After the deadly 2020 Galwan Valley clash, India and China froze much official contact. But Track 2 exchanges helped keep lines open. High-level signals of thaw followed: Prime Minister Narendra Modi met President Xi Jinping on the sidelines of the SCO summit in Tianjin in 2025.

New Delhi: In February, Indians and Pakistanis met in Doha for Track 2 talks even as, officially, the ties between the two countries remain frosty. The Doha round was not the first in recent months, but it comes at a time when ties remain cold, as India remains concerned over cross-border terrorism supported by Pakistan in the aftermath of the Pahalgam terror attack. For India and Pakistan, the backchannel track 2 has been continuing for decades. At one point, nearly 20 such dialogues ran simultaneously. Inputs from these help make an assessment when ties remain snapped, as they are currently. No breakthrough is expected from such engagement, but it is seen as a channel of informal communication away from public glare. No press releases are issued, no statements are made after these meetings, and above all, no one will confirm or deny them. The Neemrana Dialogue has been, in the past, one of the longest-running dialogues, bringing together voices from both sides. Track 2 is not new. The term, coined in 1981 by American diplomat Joseph Montville, describes informal, non-structured talks between non-officials, often former officials, journalists, business leaders, and civil society voices. The goal is to build trust, test ideas, and create space for understanding, away from the glare of politics and media. Unlike Track 1, formal government-to-government negotiations like the Camp David Accords, Track 2 offers deniability and flexibility. A hybrid version, Track 1.5, mixes serving officials (acting unofficially) with outsiders. This pattern repeats globally when relations sour. For example, the Oslo Accords, the initial phase (1993), when unofficial meetings in Norway between Israeli academics and PLO representatives took place. After the deadly 2020 Galwan Valley clash, India and China froze much official contact. But Track 2 exchanges helped keep lines open. High-level signals of thaw followed: Prime Minister Narendra Modi met President Xi Jinping on the sidelines of the SCO summit in Tianjin in 2025. Direct flights resumed in October 2025 after five years. Cross-border trade mechanisms and people-to-people contacts are slowly returning. Xi may even visit India for the BRICS summit later this year. In 2022, when war broke out in Ukraine, India quietly engaged in Track 2 and Track 1.5 forums with Europeans, Russians, and Ukrainians. Civil society groups and former officials explored humanitarian solutions and de-escalation ideas while New Delhi maintained its public stance of strategic autonomy. Even with Canada, when ties were at a low point after accusations over the killing of Hardeep Singh Nijjar, pragmatism prevailed after track 1.5 diplomacy. Meetings between PM Modi and Prime Minister Mark Carney at the G7 in June 2025 and G20 in November helped stabilise ties. High commissioners returned. Carney’s visit to India in early 2026 delivered concrete outcomes: talks on a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) to push bilateral trade towards $50 billion by 2030, plus cooperation in energy, critical minerals, defence and nuclear issues. Political differences were set aside for economic and strategic gains. From Pakistan to China, from Canada to conflicts, Track 2 diplomacy has proved its worth in a fractured world. It does not replace official talks but provides an opportunity to exchange notes and sometimes be part of heated debate, but above all it also provides space for quiet conversations. In some cases, it may provide a channel of communication; in other cases, seeds for future breakthroughs.

After the deadly 2020 Galwan Valley clash, India and China froze much official contact. But Track 2 exchanges helped keep lines open. High-level signals of thaw followed: Prime Minister Narendra Modi met President Xi Jinping on the sidelines of the SCO summit in Tianjin in 2025.

Track 2 channels active between India and Pakistan even as official relations remain in freeze

Pakistan's spy agency has launched a sophisticated propaganda drive, according to intelligence sources, ahead of the first anniversary of last year's deadly Pahalgam terror attack.&nbsp;The campaign, orchestrated by Pakistan's Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI), accuses India of planning a "false flag" operation in the coming days. It claims Indian authorities might stage an attack and blame Pakistan, possibly by using Pakistani nationals held in Indian jails. The narrative has been swiftly picked up by major mainstream Pakistani outlets, and amplified across social media.&nbsp;Intelligence inputs suggest the story was drafted by ISI's Director General-Media, Major General Muhammad Mushtaq Ali. It was then planted in newspapers before the Pakistan Army's X Corps and the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) took over wider dissemination.&nbsp;ALSO READ: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/india-thanks-azerbaijan-for-iran-evacuation-both-agree-to-launch-political-consultations-1775061714836">India thanks Azerbaijan for Iran evacuation; both agree to launch political consultations</a>&nbsp;Lieutenant General Amer Ahsan Nawaz, commander of X Corps, and ISPR's DG-Bravo, Major General Zulfiqar Ali Bhatti, are said to have overseen the push, using coordinated bot networks and affiliated accounts to spread the message rapidly.&nbsp;This timing is no coincidence. It comes just before the anniversary of the April 2025 Pahalgam terror attack, which killed dozens, mostly tourists. Indian officials point out a similar pattern last year, Pakistan floated comparable "false flag" warnings weeks before the terror attack. After the attack, two of the three terrorists neutralised were found carrying Pakistani Computerised National Identity Cards (CNICs), undermining Islamabad's denials.&nbsp;In the 11 months since Pahalgam, Indian security forces have eliminated 34 Pakistani terrorists in Jammu and Kashmir, according to sources. Yet more than 40 others linked to groups like Lashkar-e-Taiba and Jaish-e-Mohammed remain active. Agencies are also tracking recent meetings between ISI officers, including Punjab Sector Commander Brigadier Rizwan Sharif, and operatives from these outfits.&nbsp;ALSO READ: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/forces-minutes-from-sea-strike-on-pakistan-during-operation-sindoor-indian-navy-chief-admiral-tripathi-1775057204584">Forces minutes from sea strike on Pakistan during Operation Sindoor: Indian Navy Chief Admiral Tripathi</a>&nbsp;What stands out in this latest episode is the highly institutionalised nature of Pakistan's information warfare. Far from ad-hoc responses, the machinery involves the ISI's Analysis Wing working with media and technical directors to craft unified narratives. ISPR's "Bravo Division" executes the plans, while those recruited through a long-running programme, now reportedly running batches of over 8,000, help generate and push content.&nbsp;Regulatory bodies like PEMRA and the PTA help control the domestic information space.&nbsp;Indian security agencies remain on high alert, viewing the campaign as part of a hybrid strategy that blends psychological operations with potential ground threats. They emphasise that such pre-emptive narratives aim to shape global perceptions and provide cover if terror attack happens.Pakistan has long involved in cross border terrorism attacks in India, from 2001 Parliament terror attack to 26/11 Mumbai terror attack to last year' Pahalgam terror attack.

Pakistan’s intelligence agency is alleged to be pushing a coordinated propaganda campaign ahead of the Pahalgam attack anniversary, claiming India may stage a ‘false flag’ operation. 

Pakistan's spy agency has launched a sophisticated propaganda drive, according to intelligence sources, ahead of the first anniversary of last year's deadly Pahalgam terror attack. The campaign, orchestrated by Pakistan's Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI), accuses India of planning a "false flag" operation in the coming days. It claims Indian authorities might stage an attack and blame Pakistan, possibly by using Pakistani nationals held in Indian jails. The narrative has been swiftly picked up by major mainstream Pakistani outlets, and amplified across social media. Intelligence inputs suggest the story was drafted by ISI's Director General-Media, Major General Muhammad Mushtaq Ali. It was then planted in newspapers before the Pakistan Army's X Corps and the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) took over wider dissemination. ALSO READ: India thanks Azerbaijan for Iran evacuation; both agree to launch political consultations Lieutenant General Amer Ahsan Nawaz, commander of X Corps, and ISPR's DG-Bravo, Major General Zulfiqar Ali Bhatti, are said to have overseen the push, using coordinated bot networks and affiliated accounts to spread the message rapidly. This timing is no coincidence. It comes just before the anniversary of the April 2025 Pahalgam terror attack, which killed dozens, mostly tourists. Indian officials point out a similar pattern last year, Pakistan floated comparable "false flag" warnings weeks before the terror attack. After the attack, two of the three terrorists neutralised were found carrying Pakistani Computerised National Identity Cards (CNICs), undermining Islamabad's denials. In the 11 months since Pahalgam, Indian security forces have eliminated 34 Pakistani terrorists in Jammu and Kashmir, according to sources. Yet more than 40 others linked to groups like Lashkar-e-Taiba and Jaish-e-Mohammed remain active. Agencies are also tracking recent meetings between ISI officers, including Punjab Sector Commander Brigadier Rizwan Sharif, and operatives from these outfits. ALSO READ: Forces minutes from sea strike on Pakistan during Operation Sindoor: Indian Navy Chief Admiral Tripathi What stands out in this latest episode is the highly institutionalised nature of Pakistan's information warfare. Far from ad-hoc responses, the machinery involves the ISI's Analysis Wing working with media and technical directors to craft unified narratives. ISPR's "Bravo Division" executes the plans, while those recruited through a long-running programme, now reportedly running batches of over 8,000, help generate and push content. Regulatory bodies like PEMRA and the PTA help control the domestic information space. Indian security agencies remain on high alert, viewing the campaign as part of a hybrid strategy that blends psychological operations with potential ground threats. They emphasise that such pre-emptive narratives aim to shape global perceptions and provide cover if terror attack happens. Pakistan has long involved in cross border terrorism attacks in India, from 2001 Parliament terror attack to 26/11 Mumbai terror attack to last year' Pahalgam terror attack.

Pakistan’s intelligence agency is alleged to be pushing a coordinated propaganda campaign ahead of the Pahalgam attack anniversary, claiming India may stage a ‘false flag’ operation.&nbsp;

Pakistan pushes 'false flag' narrative before Pahalgam terror attack anniversary; Indian Intel on high alert

India on Monday (Mar 16) struck a careful but pointed note at the United Nations, calling for a fight against religious discrimination that is not limited to one faith. Speaking at an event jointly organised by the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) and the United Nations Alliance of Civilisations (UNAOC) on International Day to Combat Islamophobia, Indian Ambassador Harish Parvathaneni took a pointed dig at Pakistan. Without naming the nation, Parvathaneni noted that "India's western neighbour is an excellent example of fabricating imaginative tales of Islamophobia in their neighbourhood".Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/nda-sweeps-rajya-sabha-seats-in-bihar-odisha-haryana-sees-close-contest-1773714960284">NDA sweeps Rajya Sabha seats in Bihar, Odisha; Haryana sees close contest</a><h2>International Day to Combat Islamophobia</h2>Speaking at the event, Parvathaneni said New Delhi condemns violence carried out in the name of any religion, not just one. "My delegation strongly condemns violence and hatred in the name of religion, regardless of the religion under question," he said, extending greetings for Ramadan.Highlighting India's religious diversity, the Indian envoy noted that India was a country where multiple religions coexist and that it was the birthplace of Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism, and Sikhism.Pointing to India's own experience, he noted, "India, more than any other country, is acutely aware of the need for a world free from religious discrimination".The idea of “Sarva Dharma Sambhava” — equal respect for all faiths — was central to the Indian constitution, he added.<h2>Warning against politicising faith</h2>At the same time, Parvathaneni warned that the politicisation of religion. He said that doing so risks deepening divisions rather than resolving grievances. "History bears repeated witness to how the politicisation of religion does not solve and resolve grievances; however well-intentioned, they risk lending legitimacy to precisely this kind of selective, polarising narratives that breed further division," he said.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-slams-uscirf-report-as-biased-rejects-allegations-on-religious-freedom-1773691146838">India slams USCIRF report as 'biased', rejects allegations on religious freedom</a><h2>A pointed remark at Pakistan</h2>Without naming Pakistan directly, the envoy criticised what he called “imaginative tales” of Islamophobia emerging from India’s western neighbour. He questioned how issues like the treatment of the Ahmadiyya community or the handling of Afghan refugees would be described in that context."One wonders what would brutal repression of Ahmadiyyas in this country be termed, or the large-scale refoulement of the helpless Afghans or air-bombing campaigns in this Holy Month of Ramadan?" he said.Parvathaneni also pushed back against narratives portraying India as hostile to Muslims. With more than 200 million Muslims, he noted, India is home to one of the largest Muslim populations in the world. "The Organisation of Islamic Cooperation, which our western neighbour has systematically attempted to weaponise against India, has repeatedly made false and baseless allegations against my country," he said."Muslims in India, including those in Jammu and Kashmir, elect their own representatives to speak for them," added the Indian ambassador to the UN. "The only 'phobia' evident here appears to be directed against the multicultural and peaceful coexistence that all communities in India enjoy, including Muslim communities," he said. Concluding his address, he reaffirmed India's "commitment to a world free from religious hatred and violence, in all its forms". &nbsp;

In a blistering take-down at the UN, India called out the "imaginative tales" of Islamophobia spun by its western neighbour, Pakistan. Indian Ambassador Harish Parvathaneni exposed the hypocrisy of nations that "weaponise" religious narratives while committing “brutal repression”.

India on Monday (Mar 16) struck a careful but pointed note at the United Nations, calling for a fight against religious discrimination that is not limited to one faith. Speaking at an event jointly organised by the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) and the United Nations Alliance of Civilisations (UNAOC) on International Day to Combat Islamophobia, Indian Ambassador Harish Parvathaneni took a pointed dig at Pakistan. Without naming the nation, Parvathaneni noted that "India's western neighbour is an excellent example of fabricating imaginative tales of Islamophobia in their neighbourhood". Also read | NDA sweeps Rajya Sabha seats in Bihar, Odisha; Haryana sees close contest International Day to Combat Islamophobia Speaking at the event, Parvathaneni said New Delhi condemns violence carried out in the name of any religion, not just one. "My delegation strongly condemns violence and hatred in the name of religion, regardless of the religion under question," he said, extending greetings for Ramadan. Highlighting India's religious diversity, the Indian envoy noted that India was a country where multiple religions coexist and that it was the birthplace of Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism, and Sikhism. Pointing to India's own experience, he noted, "India, more than any other country, is acutely aware of the need for a world free from religious discrimination". The idea of “Sarva Dharma Sambhava” — equal respect for all faiths — was central to the Indian constitution, he added. Warning against politicising faith At the same time, Parvathaneni warned that the politicisation of religion. He said that doing so risks deepening divisions rather than resolving grievances. "History bears repeated witness to how the politicisation of religion does not solve and resolve grievances; however well-intentioned, they risk lending legitimacy to precisely this kind of selective, polarising narratives that breed further division," he said. Also read | India slams USCIRF report as 'biased', rejects allegations on religious freedom A pointed remark at Pakistan Without naming Pakistan directly, the envoy criticised what he called “imaginative tales” of Islamophobia emerging from India’s western neighbour. He questioned how issues like the treatment of the Ahmadiyya community or the handling of Afghan refugees would be described in that context. "One wonders what would brutal repression of Ahmadiyyas in this country be termed, or the large-scale refoulement of the helpless Afghans or air-bombing campaigns in this Holy Month of Ramadan?" he said. Parvathaneni also pushed back against narratives portraying India as hostile to Muslims. With more than 200 million Muslims, he noted, India is home to one of the largest Muslim populations in the world. "The Organisation of Islamic Cooperation, which our western neighbour has systematically attempted to weaponise against India, has repeatedly made false and baseless allegations against my country," he said. "Muslims in India, including those in Jammu and Kashmir, elect their own representatives to speak for them," added the Indian ambassador to the UN. "The only 'phobia' evident here appears to be directed against the multicultural and peaceful coexistence that all communities in India enjoy, including Muslim communities," he said. Concluding his address, he reaffirmed India's "commitment to a world free from religious hatred and violence, in all its forms".

In a blistering take-down at the UN, India called out the "imaginative tales" of Islamophobia spun by its western neighbour, Pakistan. Indian Ambassador Harish Parvathaneni exposed the hypocrisy of nations that "weaponise" religious narratives while committing “brutal repression”.

'What about Ahmadiyyas?': India slams Pakistan at UN for 'fabricating imaginative tales of Islamophobia'

India on Wednesday (Feb 25) slammed Pakistan at the 61st Session of the United Nations Human Rights Council, with a pointed remark noting that Islamabad must be "hallucinating or living in la la land" if it believes development in Jammu and Kashmir was not real. The comment came during India’s Right to Reply at the session in Geneva, where New Delhi pushed back against allegations raised by Pakistan and the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC).<h2>India slams Pak's ‘hallucinations’, reiterates Kashmir an ‘integral and inalienable’ part of territory</h2>India's representative Anupama Singh accused Islamabad of recycling propaganda and said the OIC had allowed itself to become an "echo chamber" for one member state. "We categorically reject these allegations," she said, adding that Pakistan’s repeated claims “reek of envy.”Singh also reiterated India's position on Jammu and Kashmir and said that it "was, is, and will always remain an integral and inalienable part of India." She said the region's accession in 1947 was "completely legal and irrevocable," grounded in the Indian Independence Act and international norms."The only outstanding dispute regarding this region is the illegal occupation of Indian territories by Pakistan," she noted, calling on Islamabad to vacate areas under its control.Watch what India's representative Anupama Singh said here:

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Pakistan lives in la la land, Indian Diplomat Anupama Singh&#39;s sharp rebuke to Pakistan at UN Human Rights Council Singh also pointed to Jammu and Kashmir&#39;s development budget being bigger than Pakistan&#39;s IMF bailout <a href="https://t.co/dLB6ItcRCX">pic.twitter.com/dLB6ItcRCX</a>&mdash; WION (@WIONews) <a href="https://twitter.com/WIONews/status/2026872553894207682?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 26, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<h2>Development versus crisis</h2>Singh's sharpest remark came when she pointed to recent infrastructure projects in the region, including the Chenab Rail Bridge, the world's highest railway bridge, inaugurated last year."If the Chenab Rail Bridge, the world's highest bridge, inaugurated in Jammu and Kashmir last year, is fake, then Pakistan must be hallucinating or living in the 'La-la-land'" Singh said.Contrasting what she described as Jammu and Kashmir's expanding development budget with Pakistan’s economic troubles, she then claimed that the Union Territory's development budget was "more than double the recent bailout package", the size of Pakistan’s recent IMF bailout package.Responding to Pakistan's criticism of India’s democratic record in the region, Singh said it was "hard to take lectures on democracy from a country where civilian governments rarely complete their terms." She pointed to voter participation in recent elections as evidence that people in Jammu and Kashmir have "rejected the ideology of terrorism and violence" for development.Singh also accused Pakistan of continuing to back militancy in the region, calling it "relentless state-sponsored terrorism."&nbsp;

India hit back at Pakistan at the UN Human Rights Council, saying Islamabad must be “hallucinating” if it denies development in Jammu and Kashmir. Representative Anupama Singh rejected OIC-backed claims and reaffirmed J&K was an integral part of India.

India on Wednesday (Feb 25) slammed Pakistan at the 61st Session of the United Nations Human Rights Council, with a pointed remark noting that Islamabad must be "hallucinating or living in la la land" if it believes development in Jammu and Kashmir was not real. The comment came during India’s Right to Reply at the session in Geneva, where New Delhi pushed back against allegations raised by Pakistan and the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC). India slams Pak's ‘hallucinations’, reiterates Kashmir an ‘integral and inalienable’ part of territory India's representative Anupama Singh accused Islamabad of recycling propaganda and said the OIC had allowed itself to become an "echo chamber" for one member state. "We categorically reject these allegations," she said, adding that Pakistan’s repeated claims “reek of envy.” Singh also reiterated India's position on Jammu and Kashmir and said that it "was, is, and will always remain an integral and inalienable part of India." She said the region's accession in 1947 was "completely legal and irrevocable," grounded in the Indian Independence Act and international norms. "The only outstanding dispute regarding this region is the illegal occupation of Indian territories by Pakistan," she noted, calling on Islamabad to vacate areas under its control. Watch what India's representative Anupama Singh said here:

India hit back at Pakistan at the UN Human Rights Council, saying Islamabad must be “hallucinating” if it denies development in Jammu and Kashmir. Representative Anupama Singh rejected OIC-backed claims and reaffirmed J&amp;K was an integral part of India.

India at UNHRC says Pakistan’s claims ‘reek of envy,’ notes Islamabad ‘living in la la land’ | Video

US President Donald Trump has claimed that during last year’s military escalation between India and Pakistan, as many as 11 jets were shot down — a figure he repeated while asserting he helped broker a ceasefire by threatening trade penalties. India has consistently rejected any third‑party mediation in the conflict, saying de‑escalation was agreed directly between the two militaries.


Donald Trump Says 11 Jets Shot Down During India-Pak Hostilities Last Year 

The ICC T20 World Cup is exactly five days away, but the most highly anticipated match of the tournament might not even take place. The Pakistan government says the national team will boycott the clash against India, but the story is far from over, as the ICC has issued a warning to Pakistan.


T20 World Cup: What Pakistan Could Lose If It Boycotts India 

Pakistani security forces on Sunday (Feb 1) claimed they have killed more than 100 “Indian-backed terrorists” in sweeping counterterrorism operations across Balochistan. However, the nation did not share any proof to back the claim that the "terrorists" had Indian links. These counterterrorism operations come a day after a wave of deadly coordinated suicide and gun attacks left dozens of civilians and security personnel dead.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/former-uk-ambassador-to-us-peter-mandelson-quits-labour-party-after-compromising-undies-pic-from-epstein-files-goes-viral-1769998928340">Ex-UK envoy seen in compromising undies pic in Epstein files, quits Labour Party</a><h2>Major operations after deadly attacks</h2>As per reports, the raids began early Saturday (Jan 31) at multiple locations in the southwestern province of Balochistan, a day after coordinated suicide bombings and gun assaults killed 33 people, most of them civilians.According to provincial authorities, at least 18 civilians, including five women and three children, and 15 members of the security forces were killed during the violence over the past 40 hours.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/more-than-200-killed-in-intense-clashes-between-separatists-and-army-in-pakistan-s-balochistan-1769957610746">Over 200 killed as separatists, army clash in Pakistan’s Balochistan</a><h2>Fitna al-Hindustan</h2>Balochistan Chief Minister Sarfraz Bugti, as cited by ABC News, told reporters in Quetta that Pakistani troops and police had killed 145 militants belonging to what the government calls “Fitna al-Hindustan”, a term it uses for the allegedly India-backed, banned Baloch Liberation Army (BLA).“The bodies of these 145 killed terrorists are in our custody, and some of them are Afghan nationals,” Bugti said, describing the toll as the highest in decades.He claimed the attackers had planned to take hostages and storm government offices in Quetta’s high-security zone, but were stopped before reaching the city centre. “We were aware of their plans, and our forces were prepared,” he said.<h2>Pakistan's unsubstantiated accusations against India and Afghanistan</h2>Bugti repeatedly accused India and Afghanistan of backing the assailants, alleging that senior BLA leaders were operating from Afghan territory. Both New Delhi and Kabul deny the claims.He said Afghanistan’s Taliban had pledged under the 2020 Doha agreement not to allow Afghan soil to be used for attacks on other countries, but argued that “unfortunately, the Afghan soil was still being used against Pakistan.”

Pakistan claims its forces killed over 100 “Indian-backed terrorists” in major operations across Balochistan after deadly attacks that killed 33 people. Officials accused India and Afghanistan of backing the militants, but offered no evidence. Both countries have denied the allegations.

Pakistani security forces on Sunday (Feb 1) claimed they have killed more than 100 “Indian-backed terrorists” in sweeping counterterrorism operations across Balochistan. However, the nation did not share any proof to back the claim that the "terrorists" had Indian links. These counterterrorism operations come a day after a wave of deadly coordinated suicide and gun attacks left dozens of civilians and security personnel dead. Also read | Ex-UK envoy seen in compromising undies pic in Epstein files, quits Labour Party Major operations after deadly attacks As per reports, the raids began early Saturday (Jan 31) at multiple locations in the southwestern province of Balochistan, a day after coordinated suicide bombings and gun assaults killed 33 people, most of them civilians. According to provincial authorities, at least 18 civilians, including five women and three children, and 15 members of the security forces were killed during the violence over the past 40 hours. Also read | Over 200 killed as separatists, army clash in Pakistan’s Balochistan Fitna al-Hindustan Balochistan Chief Minister Sarfraz Bugti, as cited by ABC News, told reporters in Quetta that Pakistani troops and police had killed 145 militants belonging to what the government calls “Fitna al-Hindustan”, a term it uses for the allegedly India-backed, banned Baloch Liberation Army (BLA). “The bodies of these 145 killed terrorists are in our custody, and some of them are Afghan nationals,” Bugti said, describing the toll as the highest in decades. He claimed the attackers had planned to take hostages and storm government offices in Quetta’s high-security zone, but were stopped before reaching the city centre. “We were aware of their plans, and our forces were prepared,” he said. Pakistan's unsubstantiated accusations against India and Afghanistan Bugti repeatedly accused India and Afghanistan of backing the assailants, alleging that senior BLA leaders were operating from Afghan territory. Both New Delhi and Kabul deny the claims. He said Afghanistan’s Taliban had pledged under the 2020 Doha agreement not to allow Afghan soil to be used for attacks on other countries, but argued that “unfortunately, the Afghan soil was still being used against Pakistan.”

Pakistan claims its forces killed over 100 “Indian-backed terrorists” in major operations across Balochistan after deadly attacks that killed 33 people. Officials accused India and Afghanistan of backing the militants, but offered no evidence. Both countries have denied the allegations.

Pakistan claims killed 145 ‘Fitna al-Hindustan’ terrorists, accuses India without offering proof

A newly released report by a Swiss defence think tank says that India’s Operation Sindoor in May 2025 fundamentally changed the air power balance in South Asia, ending with New Delhi securing effective control of the skies and forcing Pakistan to agree to a ceasefire within four days. The study, published by Switzerland’s Centre for Military History and Perspective Studies (CHPM) and written by military historian Adrien Fontanellaz, reconstructs in detail the 88-hour aerial confrontation between India and Pakistan from May 7 to May 10. It stands out as one of the most thorough independent examinations of the conflict to date.&nbsp;According to the report, India ultimately dismantled Pakistan’s air defence posture and strike capability, finishing the conflict on its own strategic terms. Operation Sindoor followed a deadly terror attack on civilians in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, which Indian authorities attributed to Pakistan-based terrorist organisations. The report says that India’s political leadership authorised a response designed to be highly visible and forceful, accepting escalation risks to re-establish deterrence.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/uae-pulls-back-from-pakistan-airport-deal-here-s-what-reports-are-saying-1769422628809">UAE pulls back from Pakistan airport deal. Here's what reports are saying</a><h2>When did Operation Sindoor happen?</h2>In the early hours of May 7, the Indian Air Force conducted coordinated precision strikes against major terrorist hubs associated with Jaish-e-Mohammed and Lashkar-e-Taiba. Facilities in Bahawalpur and Muridke were hit using long-range weapons, with damage assessments confirming extensive destruction. The Swiss study notes that the scale, depth, and joint planning of these attacks exceeded any previous Indian response. Pakistan reacted, leading to one of the largest aerial confrontations in the region in recent decades. Dozens of aircraft from both sides were involved across multiple fronts. Leveraging Chinese-origin PL-15 missiles, airborne early warning platforms, and networked targeting, the Pakistan Air Force inflicted losses on Indian formations during the first night. This phase, the report says, gave Islamabad an early narrative advantage despite being tactically limited in scope.<h2>Where all did the Indian Air Force hit in Pakistan?</h2>Rather than defining the conflict, that initial exchange prompted a rapid shift in India’s approach. Over the next several days, the IAF executed a focused campaign to suppress and destroy Pakistan’s air defence systems. Using standoff munitions such as SCALP-EG and BrahMos, along with multi-axis strikes, Indian forces degraded radar coverage and surface-to-air missile sites. With Pakistan’s defensive network weakened, India escalated operations against key Pakistani air bases. Precision strikes targeted runways, logistics hubs, and support infrastructure, significantly curtailing the PAF’s ability to generate sorties. The Swiss analysts describe these attacks as unprecedented in both accuracy and persistence during an India–Pakistan crisis.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/uk-plans-british-fbi-to-fight-complex-crime-1769427371034/embed">https://www.wionews.com/videos/uk-plans-british-fbi-to-fight-complex-crime-1769427371034/embed</a>&nbsp;The report also highlights the effectiveness of India’s integrated air defence and command architecture. Systems such as the Integrated Air Command and Control System (IACCCS), linked with the Army’s Akashteer network and layered missile defences including Akash, Barak-8, and S-400, successfully neutralised Pakistani retaliatory attempts. By May 10, the study concludes, Pakistan’s ability to contest airspace had been decisively eroded. With air bases under continuous pressure and air defences compromised, Islamabad no longer had viable escalation options. India, having achieved functional air superiority, controlled the pace of operations, prompting Pakistan to seek a ceasefire.

India's air superiority during Operation Sindoor forced Pakistan for ceasefire: Swiss think tank

A newly released report by a Swiss defence think tank says that India’s Operation Sindoor in May 2025 fundamentally changed the air power balance in South Asia, ending with New Delhi securing effective control of the skies and forcing Pakistan to agree to a ceasefire within four days. The study, published by Switzerland’s Centre for Military History and Perspective Studies (CHPM) and written by military historian Adrien Fontanellaz, reconstructs in detail the 88-hour aerial confrontation between India and Pakistan from May 7 to May 10. It stands out as one of the most thorough independent examinations of the conflict to date. According to the report, India ultimately dismantled Pakistan’s air defence posture and strike capability, finishing the conflict on its own strategic terms. Operation Sindoor followed a deadly terror attack on civilians in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, which Indian authorities attributed to Pakistan-based terrorist organisations. The report says that India’s political leadership authorised a response designed to be highly visible and forceful, accepting escalation risks to re-establish deterrence. Also Read: UAE pulls back from Pakistan airport deal. Here's what reports are saying When did Operation Sindoor happen? In the early hours of May 7, the Indian Air Force conducted coordinated precision strikes against major terrorist hubs associated with Jaish-e-Mohammed and Lashkar-e-Taiba. Facilities in Bahawalpur and Muridke were hit using long-range weapons, with damage assessments confirming extensive destruction. The Swiss study notes that the scale, depth, and joint planning of these attacks exceeded any previous Indian response. Pakistan reacted, leading to one of the largest aerial confrontations in the region in recent decades. Dozens of aircraft from both sides were involved across multiple fronts. Leveraging Chinese-origin PL-15 missiles, airborne early warning platforms, and networked targeting, the Pakistan Air Force inflicted losses on Indian formations during the first night. This phase, the report says, gave Islamabad an early narrative advantage despite being tactically limited in scope. Where all did the Indian Air Force hit in Pakistan? Rather than defining the conflict, that initial exchange prompted a rapid shift in India’s approach. Over the next several days, the IAF executed a focused campaign to suppress and destroy Pakistan’s air defence systems. Using standoff munitions such as SCALP-EG and BrahMos, along with multi-axis strikes, Indian forces degraded radar coverage and surface-to-air missile sites. With Pakistan’s defensive network weakened, India escalated operations against key Pakistani air bases. Precision strikes targeted runways, logistics hubs, and support infrastructure, significantly curtailing the PAF’s ability to generate sorties. The Swiss analysts describe these attacks as unprecedented in both accuracy and persistence during an India–Pakistan crisis. https://www.wionews.com/videos/uk-plans-british-fbi-to-fight-complex-crime-1769427371034/embed The report also highlights the effectiveness of India’s integrated air defence and command architecture. Systems such as the Integrated Air Command and Control System (IACCCS), linked with the Army’s Akashteer network and layered missile defences including Akash, Barak-8, and S-400, successfully neutralised Pakistani retaliatory attempts. By May 10, the study concludes, Pakistan’s ability to contest airspace had been decisively eroded. With air bases under continuous pressure and air defences compromised, Islamabad no longer had viable escalation options. India, having achieved functional air superiority, controlled the pace of operations, prompting Pakistan to seek a ceasefire.

Swiss think tank report finds India achieved air superiority during Operation Sindoor, degrading Pakistan’s air defences and forcing a ceasefire after four days

Nikkhil Advani’s latest web series, Freedom At Midnight Season 2, which was released last week, is a must-watch for the times we live in. In an era of war, where bigotry has become an intrinsic part of everyday life, the series urges us to look back in order to understand what truly holds a diverse country like India together.Without sermonising or softening the truth, it highlights the social fabric on which India was founded—one woven with ideals of peace, harmony, and secularism.&nbsp;The show, based on Larry Collins and Dominique Lapierre's expansive novel by the same name, talks of the incidents and decisions that paved the way for India’s independence and the formation of Pakistan. Brilliantly adapted by writer Abhinandan Gupta, the show beautifully highlights the pain and the anguish of not just the people but also our leaders during the partition of India- a decision which was taken by a handful of men but defined the future of millions of people.<h2>Humanising our leaders</h2>&nbsp;Partition has been a subject of interest for many writers and filmmakers over the years. It has been 78 years since India got its freedom, but Partition remains one of the most harrowing incidents in history- scars of that moment have left deep wounds on families for generations.&nbsp;Season 2 begins with Mountbatten ordering Sir Radcliffe to do the needful and draw the lines that would divide the Hindu and Muslim populations into two countries. While Mountbatten seemed nonchalant, it is Sir Radcliffe who seemed reluctant (or so says the show). How to divide people who have lived together in harmony for generations? How to remove people from their origin? A task that seemed monumental and heavy on Radcliffe’s shoulders despite years of experience.&nbsp;While the first season concentrated on the incidents and moments that led to the Independence, season two shows Independent India grappling with a multitude of problems. The partition that has torn apart the country, the accession of princely states into the newly formed union, and the Hindu-Muslim riots that ravaged the streets of Calcutta and Lahore. It is a time when both India and Pakistan are taking the first steps as independent nations. While there are celebrations on the streets, the series shows the leaders in anguish- especially Nehru- conscious of how they have had to lose out on a huge chunk of the population and land to satisfy Jinnah’s wishes and carve out Pakistan.&nbsp;Jinnah, for obvious reasons, is shown as this mad egotistical man, who was adamant to have a Muslim state- the writers also add a human side to the maglanomaniac. A poignant scene shows Jinnah looking lonely at his home in India, one last time as he leaves for Pakistan. No words are spoken, but actor Arif Zakaria, who plays Jinnah in the show, emotes through sheer expressions, delivering how even the toughest of men had a softer side- especially when it came to one’s home and motherland.<h2>Freedom, but at what cost?</h2>&nbsp;Freedom at Midnight, in fact, has some of the most poignant moments, which constantly make you realise that the decision of Partition was not an easy one- and one that never let the leaders rest easy. As Nehru (Sidhant Gupta) delivers the historic ‘At The Stroke of Midnight’ speech at the parliament, celebrations erupt across the nation. Men and women take to the streets to celebrate, and Gandhi(Chirag Vohra) is shown lying in an empty room, facing the wall, unwilling to celebrate the moment that would define Indian history and a moment that he had yearned and strived for decades. The beauty lies in the detailed screenplay, which shows Gandhi tearing up at the stroke of midnight as India makes its tryst with destiny. The emotions are perhaps due to a sense of failure, for he is conscious of how the much yearned-for independence has come at a cost.&nbsp;<h2>The problematic neighbour</h2>&nbsp;Freedom at Midnight was released a month after the country was treated to a blitzkrieg called Dhurandhar. Most of us have watched Aditya Dhar’s detailed, somewhat gory and very long spy thriller. Dhar’s film and Advani’s series both show the complexities that come with having Pakistan as a neighbour. But the treatment is starkly different. Dhar’s film pumps the adrenaline, making you feel aggressively angry towards the neighbour. Freedom of Midnight instead makes you question the divisive politics that the leaders sought in order to get freedom in the first place. A moment in the series has Nehru and Jinnah standing in their respective homes, perhaps reflecting on what has led to the decision of partition, while Gandhi’s voice looms over in the background, foretelling how a decision of a handful of men will cost the future of billions in both countries. The poignant moment makes you think hard. Was the two-nation theory really worth it? For over seven decades, the two countries have been warring, and there have been more losses than gains for both countries. Back then, people lost their homes, their childhood, and their wealth due to partition; now, people lose their lives and homes due to war and cross-border terrorism.&nbsp;&nbsp;It's a choice that one must make- which costs us more, to live peacefully or constantly wanting to be at war.&nbsp;Before anyone jumps in to question whether the show is pro-Pakistan, it must be reiterated that the show is actually pro-peace, pro-secularism, where a PM Nehru is shown constantly pushing for the secular fabric of the newly formed democratic country. Sure, it shies away from naming Nathuram Godse as Gandhi’s murderer instead resorting to a show figure, and instead concentrates on a certain Pahwa- a man anguished at Gandhi’s empathy towards the Muslim brothers in post- partition India, but the show constantly reiterates how the leaders could never fully be free from the burden that Partition bore. It came with a cost, and as Gandhi points out, its impact continues to dominate the politics of the subcontinent, decades later.&nbsp;Freedom at Midnight, Season 1 and 2, are streaming on Sony Liv.

Nikkhil Advani's latest series Freedom at Midnight is a timely reminder of what our country India has always been known for. The series goes back in time to narrate the darkest petriod of Indian history- the partition- and the consequences it bore. 

Nikkhil Advani’s latest web series, Freedom At Midnight Season 2, which was released last week, is a must-watch for the times we live in. In an era of war, where bigotry has become an intrinsic part of everyday life, the series urges us to look back in order to understand what truly holds a diverse country like India together. Without sermonising or softening the truth, it highlights the social fabric on which India was founded—one woven with ideals of peace, harmony, and secularism. The show, based on Larry Collins and Dominique Lapierre's expansive novel by the same name, talks of the incidents and decisions that paved the way for India’s independence and the formation of Pakistan. Brilliantly adapted by writer Abhinandan Gupta, the show beautifully highlights the pain and the anguish of not just the people but also our leaders during the partition of India- a decision which was taken by a handful of men but defined the future of millions of people. Humanising our leaders Partition has been a subject of interest for many writers and filmmakers over the years. It has been 78 years since India got its freedom, but Partition remains one of the most harrowing incidents in history- scars of that moment have left deep wounds on families for generations. Season 2 begins with Mountbatten ordering Sir Radcliffe to do the needful and draw the lines that would divide the Hindu and Muslim populations into two countries. While Mountbatten seemed nonchalant, it is Sir Radcliffe who seemed reluctant (or so says the show). How to divide people who have lived together in harmony for generations? How to remove people from their origin? A task that seemed monumental and heavy on Radcliffe’s shoulders despite years of experience. While the first season concentrated on the incidents and moments that led to the Independence, season two shows Independent India grappling with a multitude of problems. The partition that has torn apart the country, the accession of princely states into the newly formed union, and the Hindu-Muslim riots that ravaged the streets of Calcutta and Lahore. It is a time when both India and Pakistan are taking the first steps as independent nations. While there are celebrations on the streets, the series shows the leaders in anguish- especially Nehru- conscious of how they have had to lose out on a huge chunk of the population and land to satisfy Jinnah’s wishes and carve out Pakistan. Jinnah, for obvious reasons, is shown as this mad egotistical man, who was adamant to have a Muslim state- the writers also add a human side to the maglanomaniac. A poignant scene shows Jinnah looking lonely at his home in India, one last time as he leaves for Pakistan. No words are spoken, but actor Arif Zakaria, who plays Jinnah in the show, emotes through sheer expressions, delivering how even the toughest of men had a softer side- especially when it came to one’s home and motherland. Freedom, but at what cost? Freedom at Midnight, in fact, has some of the most poignant moments, which constantly make you realise that the decision of Partition was not an easy one- and one that never let the leaders rest easy. As Nehru (Sidhant Gupta) delivers the historic ‘At The Stroke of Midnight’ speech at the parliament, celebrations erupt across the nation. Men and women take to the streets to celebrate, and Gandhi(Chirag Vohra) is shown lying in an empty room, facing the wall, unwilling to celebrate the moment that would define Indian history and a moment that he had yearned and strived for decades. The beauty lies in the detailed screenplay, which shows Gandhi tearing up at the stroke of midnight as India makes its tryst with destiny. The emotions are perhaps due to a sense of failure, for he is conscious of how the much yearned-for independence has come at a cost. The problematic neighbour Freedom at Midnight was released a month after the country was treated to a blitzkrieg called Dhurandhar. Most of us have watched Aditya Dhar’s detailed, somewhat gory and very long spy thriller. Dhar’s film and Advani’s series both show the complexities that come with having Pakistan as a neighbour. But the treatment is starkly different. Dhar’s film pumps the adrenaline, making you feel aggressively angry towards the neighbour. Freedom of Midnight instead makes you question the divisive politics that the leaders sought in order to get freedom in the first place. A moment in the series has Nehru and Jinnah standing in their respective homes, perhaps reflecting on what has led to the decision of partition, while Gandhi’s voice looms over in the background, foretelling how a decision of a handful of men will cost the future of billions in both countries. The poignant moment makes you think hard. Was the two-nation theory really worth it? For over seven decades, the two countries have been warring, and there have been more losses than gains for both countries. Back then, people lost their homes, their childhood, and their wealth due to partition; now, people lose their lives and homes due to war and cross-border terrorism. It's a choice that one must make- which costs us more, to live peacefully or constantly wanting to be at war. Before anyone jumps in to question whether the show is pro-Pakistan, it must be reiterated that the show is actually pro-peace, pro-secularism, where a PM Nehru is shown constantly pushing for the secular fabric of the newly formed democratic country. Sure, it shies away from naming Nathuram Godse as Gandhi’s murderer instead resorting to a show figure, and instead concentrates on a certain Pahwa- a man anguished at Gandhi’s empathy towards the Muslim brothers in post- partition India, but the show constantly reiterates how the leaders could never fully be free from the burden that Partition bore. It came with a cost, and as Gandhi points out, its impact continues to dominate the politics of the subcontinent, decades later. Freedom at Midnight, Season 1 and 2, are streaming on Sony Liv.

Nikkhil Advani's latest series Freedom at Midnight is a timely reminder of what our country India has always been known for. The series goes back in time to narrate the darkest petriod of Indian history- the partition- and the consequences it bore.&nbsp;

Freedom At Midnight Season 2 arrives when India needs its secular memory the most

India firmly countered Pakistan at the United Nations after Islamabad once again raised the issue of Jammu and Kashmir during a General Assembly session, accusing Pakistan of exploiting UN forums to promote what New Delhi termed a 'divisive narrative'. The rebuttal followed remarks by Pakistan’s Permanent Representative to the UN, who referenced Jammu and Kashmir in his address. India dismissed the comments as inappropriate and disconnected from the realities on the ground.&nbsp;Presenting India’s national statement during the UN General Assembly plenary discussion on the Secretary-General’s annual report, Eldos Mathew Punnoose, Counsellor at India’s Permanent Mission to the UN, said Pakistan has made a habit of politicising multilateral platforms, according to news agency PTI. Punnoose remarked that while the international community is expected to rise above narrow national interests, Pakistan continues to misuse UN mechanisms to advance its agenda. He stressed that Pakistan’s reference to Jammu and Kashmir was unjustified, reiterating that the Union Territory is an inseparable part of India.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/bjp-takes-all-in-maharashtra-local-body-polls-mahayuti-alliance-dethrones-thackeray-from-bmc-devendra-fadanvis-1768561208172">BJP takes all in Maharashtra local body polls; Mahayuti alliance dethrones Thackeray family from BMC</a>&nbsp;India’s response came amid Pakistan’s repeated efforts to internationalise the Kashmir issue at various UN bodies, attempts that New Delhi maintains have consistently failed to attract broader global backing. Addressing the principle of self-determination, Punnoose warned against its distortion to legitimise separatist claims. While acknowledging self-determination as a core UN principle, he emphasised that it should not be weaponised to encourage fragmentation in democratic and pluralistic societies. He added that Pakistan should refrain from making unfounded allegations that misrepresent reality.&nbsp;Beyond bilateral issues, India also drew attention to challenges faced by the Global South. Punnoose said India has actively worked to amplify these concerns across UN platforms and called for concrete follow-up actions to translate collective sentiment into measurable outcomes. He further noted that the United Nations is navigating a pivotal moment, facing mounting expectations across its mandates of peace and security, development, and human rights.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/china-tests-quantum-cyber-tools-in-frontline-ops-1768558859021/embed">https://www.wionews.com/videos/china-tests-quantum-cyber-tools-in-frontline-ops-1768558859021/embed</a>&nbsp;India also expressed concern over the UN’s limited effectiveness in addressing ongoing global conflicts, warning that inaction undermines the organisation’s credibility. With conflicts escalating worldwide, Punnoose said the international community looks to the UN to alleviate human suffering and restore peace.

India slams Pakistan for raising Kashmir issue at United Nations General Assembly, accuses Islamabad of exploiting UN bodies

India firmly countered Pakistan at the United Nations after Islamabad once again raised the issue of Jammu and Kashmir during a General Assembly session, accusing Pakistan of exploiting UN forums to promote what New Delhi termed a 'divisive narrative'. The rebuttal followed remarks by Pakistan’s Permanent Representative to the UN, who referenced Jammu and Kashmir in his address. India dismissed the comments as inappropriate and disconnected from the realities on the ground. Presenting India’s national statement during the UN General Assembly plenary discussion on the Secretary-General’s annual report, Eldos Mathew Punnoose, Counsellor at India’s Permanent Mission to the UN, said Pakistan has made a habit of politicising multilateral platforms, according to news agency PTI. Punnoose remarked that while the international community is expected to rise above narrow national interests, Pakistan continues to misuse UN mechanisms to advance its agenda. He stressed that Pakistan’s reference to Jammu and Kashmir was unjustified, reiterating that the Union Territory is an inseparable part of India. Also Read: BJP takes all in Maharashtra local body polls; Mahayuti alliance dethrones Thackeray family from BMC India’s response came amid Pakistan’s repeated efforts to internationalise the Kashmir issue at various UN bodies, attempts that New Delhi maintains have consistently failed to attract broader global backing. Addressing the principle of self-determination, Punnoose warned against its distortion to legitimise separatist claims. While acknowledging self-determination as a core UN principle, he emphasised that it should not be weaponised to encourage fragmentation in democratic and pluralistic societies. He added that Pakistan should refrain from making unfounded allegations that misrepresent reality. Beyond bilateral issues, India also drew attention to challenges faced by the Global South. Punnoose said India has actively worked to amplify these concerns across UN platforms and called for concrete follow-up actions to translate collective sentiment into measurable outcomes. He further noted that the United Nations is navigating a pivotal moment, facing mounting expectations across its mandates of peace and security, development, and human rights. https://www.wionews.com/videos/china-tests-quantum-cyber-tools-in-frontline-ops-1768558859021/embed India also expressed concern over the UN’s limited effectiveness in addressing ongoing global conflicts, warning that inaction undermines the organisation’s credibility. With conflicts escalating worldwide, Punnoose said the international community looks to the UN to alleviate human suffering and restore peace.

India strongly countered Pakistan at the United Nations after Kashmir was raised again, accusing Islamabad of misusing global platforms and reiterating its sovereignty claim

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