External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar labeled Pakistan’s hold over parts of Kashmir as the “longest-standing illegal occupation of a territory” since World War II, decrying the international community’s tendency to equate “attacker” and “victim.” Speaking at an interactive session during the Raisina Dialogue, he criticized the United Nations’ historical response, stating, “We went to the UN. What was an invasion was made into a dispute. The attacker and the victim were put on par.”

Jaishankar, advocating for a “strong and fair” UN, argued that global norms on sovereignty and territorial integrity are selectively applied. “After World War II, the longest-standing illegal presence and occupation of a territory by another country pertains to India in Kashmir,” he said, referencing Pakistan’s control over Pakistan-occupied Kashmir since 1947—an issue India has long raised at forums like the UN, where a 1948 resolution remains unimplemented.

Stressing consistency, he added, “A strong global order must have some basic consistency of standards.” His remarks, aligning with India’s push for UN reform, come amid heightened diplomatic engagements at Raisina, including talks with U.S. and New Zealand leaders, spotlighting India’s assertive stance on historical injustices and its call for equitable international frameworks.