India launched a sharp counterattack against Pakistan at the 61st Session of the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC), accusing Islamabad of spreading misinformation and attempting to mislead the international community over the situation in Jammu and Kashmir.
The session, currently underway in Geneva from February 23 to March 31, witnessed a strong rebuttal from India during its Right of Reply on February 25.
India Rejects Allegations, Targets OIC
Speaking on behalf of India, diplomat Anupama Singh dismissed claims made by Pakistan and criticised the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) for amplifying what she described as one-sided narratives.
She stated that the grouping had allowed itself to become an “echo chamber” for a single member state, indirectly pointing to Pakistan.
India made it clear that attempts to internationalise Jammu and Kashmir would not go unanswered.
“If Chenab Bridge Is Fake, Then…”: Sharp Remark at Council
In one of the most talked-about moments of the session, Singh highlighted infrastructure growth in Jammu and Kashmir, particularly the inauguration of the Chenab Rail Bridge, recognised as the world’s highest railway bridge.
“If the Chenab Rail Bridge, the world’s highest bridge inaugurated in Jammu and Kashmir last year, is fake, then Pakistan must be hallucinating or living in la la land,” she remarked.
Her statement drew significant attention at the Council, as India sought to contrast visible development projects with what it termed Pakistan’s “propaganda campaign.”
Budget Comparison With IMF Bailout
India also underlined the financial roadmap of Jammu and Kashmir, noting that the Union Territory’s 2026–27 budget stands at Rs 1.13 lakh crore. Officials pointed out that this figure is more than double Pakistan’s recent $1.2 billion bailout package from the International Monetary Fund (IMF).
The comparison was presented as evidence of governance and economic planning in the region, as opposed to what India described as Pakistan’s ongoing financial strain.
Terrorism Allegations Resurface
During her intervention, Singh accused Pakistan of backing terrorism globally and said India could not be distracted by repeated allegations from a country facing internal instability, economic challenges and public dissatisfaction.
India reiterated that Jammu and Kashmir is witnessing infrastructure expansion, investment and institutional reforms since its reorganisation as a Union Territory.
Who Is Anupama Singh?
Anupama Singh has served in the Indian Foreign Service for over nine years. Before entering diplomacy, she worked at KPMG as a Consultant and later Senior Consultant between 2012 and 2014.
She completed her training at the Lal Bahadur Shastri National Academy of Administration in 2014. Her academic credentials include:
- MBA in Finance from the Faculty of Management Studies
- BTech in Computer Science from the Maulana Azad National Institute of Technology
- Participation in the CFA programme (2008–2011)
According to her public profile, she has interests spanning economics, science, technology, art, culture and literature.
Diplomatic Face-Off Continues
The latest exchange at the UNHRC reflects the continuing diplomatic confrontation between India and Pakistan over Jammu and Kashmir. While Pakistan raised concerns at the global platform, India responded with a firm defence, highlighting infrastructure achievements and budgetary commitments in the region.
As the 61st session of the UNHRC continues, the verbal sparring underscores how the Kashmir issue remains a focal point in bilateral tensions on the international stage.
