India criticizes Pakistan at UN over minority rights

During an interactive dialogue with the UN Special Rapporteur on Freedom of Religion or Belief, India criticized Pakistan's record regarding the treatment of religious minorities. Bhavika Mangalanandan, First Secretary of India’s Permanent Mission to the UN, argued that Islamabad lacks the standing to lecture New Delhi on religious freedom.

India also challenged a UN report concerning religious discrimination during the COVID-19 pandemic, noting that the report appeared to focus disproportionately on the Global South while overlooking similar tragedies in developed nations. Furthermore, Mangalanandan questioned the report's advocacy for the funeral rights of terrorists, emphasizing that such advocacy overlooks the right to life.

In a historical reference, India recalled the 1999 Kargil conflict, noting that the Indian Army provided military honors and Islamic rites for several Pakistani troops buried during the war.