Statement under Agenda Item 2 : General Debate at the 58th Session of the Human Rights Council (24 February – 4 April 2025) delivered by Ambassador Arindam Bagchi, Permanent Representative of India to the United Nations, Geneva on 3 March 2025

Mr. Vice-President,

Allow me today to share some reflections about the High Commissioner’s Global Update.

As India was mentioned by name, let me begin by emphasizing that the world’s largest democracy continues to be a healthy, vibrant and pluralistic society. Unfounded and baseless comments in the Update contrast jarringly with ground realities. The people of India have repeatedly proven wrong such misplaced concerns about us. We would urge a better understanding of India and our civilizational ethos of diversity and openness, which continue to define our robust and often cacophonous civic space.

Nothing illustrates this divergence more than the passing reference to Jammu and Kashmir, erroneously referred to as Kashmir, ironically in a year that stood out for that region’s improving peace and inclusive progress, be it the large-turnout provincial elections, the booming tourism, or the rapid development pace. Clearly, the Global Update needs a genuine update!

At a larger level, we are concerned about the Global Update’s oversimplifications of complex issues; sweeping and generalised remarks; use of loose terminologies; and apparent cherry-picking of situations.

Mr. Vice-President,

The High Commissioner has sensed a pervasive unease, but we would submit that a key element to addressing this is a long and hard look in the mirror by the Office of the High Commissioner.

Thank you.