India has sharply responded to remarks made by Pakistan’s Prime Minister at the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) regarding Kashmir, accusing Islamabad of blatant hypocrisy and interference in its internal matters. The exchange comes amid the continued diplomatic tensions between the two neighboring countries over the contested region.

In response to Shehbaz Sharif bringing up the subject of Jammu and Kashmir during his speech in the General Debate of the 79th session of the UN General Assembly, India used its right of reply in the assembly on Friday. A military-run government with a reputation for terrorism, drugs, commerce, and transnational crime has the "audacity to assault the world's largest democracy," Indian diplomat Bhavika Mangalanandan stated during a UNGA session.

"Pakistan’s claims about human rights violations in Kashmir are deeply ironic given its track record of abuses against minorities within its borders. It is hypocrisy at its worst," India’s representative declared in the assembly. The response emphasized that Kashmir is an integral part of India and that all issues relating to it are internal matters.

India also underscored Pakistan’s long-standing history of sheltering and supporting terror groups that have carried out attacks on Indian soil, warning the global community not to be misled by Pakistan’s "self-serving" narrative on Kashmir. "Unfortunately, Pakistan continues to propagate baseless rhetoric while turning a blind eye to the real issues within its own country," the Indian diplomat added.

The Kashmir dispute has been a major point of contention between India and Pakistan since both nations gained independence in 1947. Multiple wars have been fought over the region, with each country controlling parts of it but claiming the whole. India has repeatedly rejected external mediation, insisting that the issue can only be resolved bilaterally.

As both nations face ongoing challenges—India with its development and security concerns, and Pakistan grappling with economic instability and internal strife—the Kashmir issue continues to dominate their diplomatic discourse on international platforms like the UN.

The UNGA session, as always, highlighted the stark divisions between the two nations, with no immediate sign of resolution in sight.