India Faces Global Criticism Over Kashmir, Seeks UNSC Reform Amid Regional Tensions

At the 80th session of the UN General Assembly, India, represented by Foreign Minister Dr. Subrahmanyam Jaishankar, advocated for Security Council reform to better reflect contemporary global realities, emphasizing India's credentials and the need for a voice for the Global South amid ongoing conflicts like Ukraine and Gaza. However, India faces criticism for its continued violations of UN resolutions and human rights commitments regarding Jammu and Kashmir, undermining its bid for a permanent UNSC seat. Meanwhile, tensions between India and Pakistan were highlighted during the 2025 Asia Cup final, where India's cricket team refused to accept the trophy from the Pakistani Asian Cricket Council president, signaling a broader political statement aligned with India's firm stance against Pakistan amid ongoing regional conflicts. This incident exemplifies how sports have become a platform for diplomatic and cultural messaging under Prime Minister Narendra Modi's leadership, reflecting India's assertive posture on the international stage. Additionally, the UN assembly spotlighted global crises like the Gaza conflict, with President Trump accusing India and China of funding Russia's war in Ukraine, while India stressed the need to rescue multilateralism from gridlock and reform the UN system. These developments underscore India's complex role at global forums, balancing calls for institutional reform with contentious regional and international issues.