India at UN slams Pakistan for ‘fabricating’ Islamophobia narratives, flags Ahmadiyya repression, Afghan bombings India on Monday strongly called out Pakistan at the United Nations for what it described as the habitual “fabrication” of Islamophobia narratives against neighbouring countries, while questioning Islamabad’s own record on the treatment of minorities and its actions against Afghanistan during Ramzan.At the UN General Assembly’s commemoration of the International Day to Combat Islamophobia, India’s Permanent Representative to the UN, ambassador Parvathaneni Harish, delivered a sharp rebuttal aimed at Pakistan and the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), while also urging the UN to avoid frameworks that focus on only one faith rather than tackling all forms of religious discrimination.‘India’s western neighbour’ fabricates Islamophobia talesHarish said, “India’s western neighbour is an excellent example of fabricating imaginative tales of Islamophobia in their neighbourhood.”Israel Iran WarUS-Israel-Iran War News Live Updates: Iran calls Israeli bombing of fuel depots ‘ecocide’; Trump warns Nato over war falloutRising Gulf-Iran Tensions: elites press US to hit Iran harder; fear threat to HormuzAudio Details Iran Strike Aftermath: Mojtaba survives ‘Blue Sparrow’ hit; family and commanders killedIn a pointed attack, he added: “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?”Harish was responding in the context of recurring attempts by Pakistan to raise allegations against India at multilateral forums under the banner of Islamophobia.He also said that the OIC, which “our western neighbour has systematically attempted to weaponise against India”, has repeatedly made “false and baseless allegations” against the country.India warns against weaponising religion at UNHarish stressed that the UN must take note of the “rising trend and dangers of weaponising religious identity and instrumentalising it to serve narrow political ends by state and non-state actors alike.”According to news agency PTI, he cautioned that the politicisation of religion does not solve grievances and instead risks legitimising “selective, polarising narratives” that deepen divisions.“The United Nations was conceived as an institution that transcends religion, culture, and politics. Its credibility rests on universality and impartiality,” he said.He further urged “caution against frameworks that exclusively focus on one faith, without addressing the broader phenomenon of religiophobia in all its manifestations.”India also underlined that the 1981 Declaration on the Elimination of All Forms of Intolerance and of Discrimination Based on Religion or Belief remains a balanced and enduring instrument because it protects followers of all faiths without privileging any one religion.India highlights its Muslim population, Kashmir eepresentationEmphasising India’s plural character, Harish said India is home to more than 200 million Muslims, one of the largest Muslim populations in the world.He said Muslims in India, including those in Jammu and Kashmir, elect their own representatives to speak for them.“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.He added that such narratives run contrary to India’s “fundamental ethos” and instead reflect “the sectarianism and terrorist mentality that this country has perpetuated since its inception.”Afghanistan reference adds sharp edgeHarish’s mention of “air-bombing campaigns in this holy month of Ramadan” came amid escalating tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan.Afghanistan has alleged that around 400 people were killed and about 250 injured in an airstrike on the Omid Addiction Treatment Hospital in Kabul on Monday night, with Taliban spokespersons blaming Pakistan. However, Pakistani media outlet Samaa, citing security sources, rejected the allegation and termed the claim that a drug treatment hospital was struck as “ridiculous”.Pakistani authorities have maintained that the strikes targeted Taliban-linked military infrastructure in Kabul and Nangarhar and were carried out with “no collateral damage”.About the AuthorTOI News DeskThe TOI News Desk comprises a dedicated and tireless team of journalists who operate around the clock to deliver the most current and comprehensive news and updates to the readers of The Times of India worldwide. With an unwavering commitment to excellence in journalism, our team is at the forefront of gathering, verifying, and presenting breaking news, in-depth analysis, and insightful reports on a wide range of topics. The TOI News Desk is your trusted source for staying informed and connected to the ever-evolving global landscape, ensuring that our readers are equipped with the latest developments that matter most.”Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosLok Sabha Revokes Suspension Of 8 Oppn MPs, Warns Against Placards, AI PicturesCentre Confirms All Indian Sailors, Ships Are Safe As LPG Vessels Shivalik, Nanda Devi Dock In IndiaDial PM Modi For Peace: Finland Backs India To Broker Ceasefire, Urges Trump To Call DelhiNDA Victory in Rajya Sabha Polls Triggers War Of Words As Opposition Split Widens In BiharIndia Condemns Pakistan Strikes In Afghanistan, Calls It Act Of Aggression And Warns EscalationNanda Devi Returns Home After Shivalik, Crew Thanks Indian Navy For Safe Transit Through HormuzIndia Dismisses Iran ‘Tanker Swap’ Deal Reports As Baseless, Ensures Safe Ship Movement Amid Crisis‘Biased Characterization Of India’: MEA Slams USCIRF Report Seeking Sanctions On RSS, R&AWJoint Tax Filing To Zero Penalties: AAP MP Raghav Chadha Pushes Big Relief For Common IndiansIndia Vs Pakistan Showdown At UN: Delhi Calls Out ‘Imaginary Islamophobia’ Claims, Afghan Strikes123Photostories‘Dhurandhar’ recap: Key characters to remember ahead of the release of Ranveer Singh starrer ‘Dhurandhar: The Revenge’6 Japanese philosophy ideas that help quiet an overthinking mindHeart health tips: Cardiologist lists 7 things you should never do after 8 pmInside Rashmika Mandanna and Vijay Deverakonda’s ‘Haldi + Holi’ ceremony: From boat entries to floral kurtas5 meanings behind lighting a diya during prayer‘The Odyssey,’ ‘Project Hail Mary,’ and ‘Dune 3’: Oscar 2027’s early and likely contenders to watchDelhi’s big road push: New corridors, flyovers, free rides and moreFrom a luxurious house worth crores to expensive shoes and watch collection- Mr Faisu’s lavish lifestyle and house tour8 epic mountain drives in India perfect for summer travelMumbai Metro 3 boost: BMC to draft local area plans for 27 station zones by 2028123Hot PicksDoha travel alertLadakh statehood ralliesRasgulla choking deathGold rate todayIncome Tax CalculatorPublic holidays March 2026Bank Holidays MarchTop TrendingMagic JohnsonIndia LPG TankerGreen Card HoldersTaylor SwiftTeam VenezuelaGreen Card HoldersAssembly election dateWWE Raw NewsCarlos Correa WifeEid ul fitr 2026
India at UN slams Pakistan for ‘fabricating’ Islamophobia narratives, flags Ahmadiyya repression, Afghan bombings
India on Monday strongly called out Pakistan at the United Nations for what it described as the habitual “fabrication” of Islamophobia narratives against neighbouring countries, while questioning Islamabad’s own record on the treatment of minorities and its actions against Afghanistan during Ramzan.At the UN General Assembly’s commemoration of the International Day to Combat Islamophobia, India’s Permanent Representative to the UN, ambassador Parvathaneni Harish, delivered a sharp rebuttal aimed at Pakistan and the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), while also urging the UN to avoid frameworks that focus on only one faith rather than tackling all forms of religious discrimination.
‘India’s western neighbour’ fabricates Islamophobia tales
Harish said, “India’s western neighbour is an excellent example of fabricating imaginative tales of Islamophobia in their neighbourhood.”In a pointed attack, he added: “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?”Harish was responding in the context of recurring attempts by Pakistan to raise allegations against India at multilateral forums under the banner of Islamophobia.He also said that the OIC, which “our western neighbour has systematically attempted to weaponise against India”, has repeatedly made “false and baseless allegations” against the country.
India warns against weaponising religion at UN
Harish stressed that the UN must take note of the “rising trend and dangers of weaponising religious identity and instrumentalising it to serve narrow political ends by state and non-state actors alike.”According to news agency PTI, he cautioned that the politicisation of religion does not solve grievances and instead risks legitimising “selective, polarising narratives” that deepen divisions.“The United Nations was conceived as an institution that transcends religion, culture, and politics. Its credibility rests on universality and impartiality,” he said.He further urged “caution against frameworks that exclusively focus on one faith, without addressing the broader phenomenon of religiophobia in all its manifestations.”India also underlined that the 1981 Declaration on the Elimination of All Forms of Intolerance and of Discrimination Based on Religion or Belief remains a balanced and enduring instrument because it protects followers of all faiths without privileging any one religion.
India highlights its Muslim population, Kashmir eepresentation
Emphasising India’s plural character, Harish said India is home to more than 200 million Muslims, one of the largest Muslim populations in the world.He said Muslims in India, including those in Jammu and Kashmir, elect their own representatives to speak for them.“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.He added that such narratives run contrary to India’s “fundamental ethos” and instead reflect “the sectarianism and terrorist mentality that this country has perpetuated since its inception.”
Afghanistan reference adds sharp edge
Harish’s mention of “air-bombing campaigns in this holy month of Ramadan” came amid escalating tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan.Afghanistan has alleged that around 400 people were killed and about 250 injured in an airstrike on the Omid Addiction Treatment Hospital in Kabul on Monday night, with Taliban spokespersons blaming Pakistan. However, Pakistani media outlet Samaa, citing security sources, rejected the allegation and termed the claim that a drug treatment hospital was struck as “ridiculous”.Pakistani authorities have maintained that the strikes targeted Taliban-linked military infrastructure in Kabul and Nangarhar and were carried out with “no collateral damage”.
