India rejects UN Human Rights chief’s remarks on Kashmir and Manipur as ‘unfounded and baseless’

India strongly criticizes UN’s ‘cherry-picked’ claims on Kashmir, Manipur

India has firmly rejected the remarks made by United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Turk, who mentioned Kashmir and Manipur in his global update. India’s Permanent Representative to the UN in Geneva, Ambassador Arindam Bagchi, dismissed the comments as “unfounded and baseless,” accusing Turk of “cherry-picking” situations that misrepresented ground realities.

India defends its democratic and pluralistic society

Speaking at the 58th session of the Human Rights Council in Geneva, Bagchi stated:
“The world’s largest democracy continues to be a healthy, vibrant, and pluralistic society. Unfounded and baseless comments in the update contrast jarringly with ground realities. The people of India have repeatedly proven wrong such misplaced concerns about us,” he said.

Objection to Kashmir reference

India took particular issue with Turk’s mention of Jammu and Kashmir, criticizing his reference to it simply as “Kashmir.” Bagchi highlighted the region’s significant improvements in security, economic growth, and governance, stating:
“This is ironic in a year that stood out for the region’s improving security, record voter turnout in provincial elections, booming tourism, and rapid infrastructure growth.”

Response to Manipur and press freedom concerns

Turk had called for “stepped-up efforts” to address violence and displacement in Manipur, while also expressing concern over restrictive laws, alleged harassment of human rights defenders, and diminished civic space, particularly in Kashmir.

Bagchi dismissed these claims, stating that India’s democratic values and pluralistic society stand as proof against such allegations. He urged a “better understanding of India and our civilisational ethos of diversity and openness.”

Criticism of UN report’s approach

Bagchi also criticized the broader approach of Turk’s global update, calling it an oversimplification of complex issues with “sweeping and generalized remarks, loose terminologies, and apparent cherry-picking of situations.”

In a pointed remark, Bagchi suggested that the UN Human Rights Office should engage in self-reflection, stating:
“The High Commissioner has sensed a pervasive unease, but we would submit that a key element to addressing this is a long and hard look in the mirror by the Office of the High Commissioner.”

No mention of Pakistan in the UN report

Notably, Turk’s report, which addressed global human rights concerns from Ukraine and Gaza to Afghanistan and the United States, made no mention of Pakistan, a fact that India found particularly striking.

India continues to emphasize its commitment to democracy, pluralism, and human rights, pushing back against what it views as selective and inaccurate assessments by international bodies.

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