In a scathing response at the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), India’s permanent envoy, Ruchira Kamboj, took Pakistan to task for its ‘limited and misguided’ perspective on India’s internal affairs. The heated exchange occurred after Pakistan’s ambassador raised the issue of the inauguration of the Ram Temple in Ayodhya and the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) during a session at the UNGA.
Kamboj criticized Pakistan’s delegation for clinging to outdated narratives, likening them to a ‘broken record’ while the rest of the world moves forward. She expressed disappointment at Pakistan’s narrow view of India’s internal matters, emphasizing that the opening of the Ram Temple and the implementation of the CAA are domestic issues that do not warrant international interference.
The grand inauguration of the Ram Temple last December garnered global attention, with dignitaries from across India and overseas attending the historic event. Meanwhile, the CAA seeks to grant Indian citizenship to persecuted religious minorities from neighboring Muslim-majority countries who currently reside in India as refugees.
India’s abstention from a resolution on ‘Measures to Combat Islamophobia’ further fueled the exchange. Kamboj clarified India’s stance, stating that while the country condemns all forms of religiophobia, including Islamophobia, it also stands against discrimination targeting Sikhs, Hindus Buddhists, and other religious communities.
Emphasizing India’s commitment to pluralism and tolerance, Kamboj warned against dividing the international community along religious lines. She underscored India’s rich history as a refuge for persecuted faiths and called for global solidarity in combating all forms of religious discrimination and violence.
Kamboj urged member states to address the broader scope of religious discrimination globally, acknowledging that while Islamophobia is significant, discrimination against other faiths must not be overlooked. She highlighted the increasing attacks on religious sites and communities worldwide, emphasizing the need for concerted efforts to combat religiophobia in all its forms.
