Western Hypocrisy on Regional Stability: India-Pakistan Tensions and the UN’s Role
# Avinash Sharma
Pakistani Prime Minister Mir Zafarullah Jamali’s threat to use “the full spectrum of power both conventional and nuclear” in case of war with India has heightened regional security concerns. This statement raises the specter of renewed military tensions in South Asia, posing a grave threat to international peace. However, Western powers have adopted an inconsistent, selective, and politically biased stance on this issue, which only exacerbates tensions rather than resolving them.
The UN Security Council has condemned the April 22 terrorist attack and called for holding the perpetrators accountable. Yet, Western nations have long remained silent on cross-border terrorism targeting India. Had such an attack occurred in a Western country, there would have been immediate demands for military retaliation and international pressure. Instead, India’s defensive actions are labeled as “escalatory,” exposing the West’s double standards.
The UN has attempted to mediate in Jammu and Kashmir since 1948, but its role has been largely ineffective. The UN Military Observer Group in India and Pakistan (UNMOGIP) merely monitors ceasefire violations without addressing Pakistan-sponsored terrorism. Its historical failures highlight the UN’s limited effectiveness in resolving this conflict.
China, meanwhile, has consistently supported Pakistan in Security Council discussions. Accusations persist that Beijing indirectly shields terrorist groups, further destabilizing the region. If China genuinely seeks peace, it must pressure Pakistan to sever ties with militant organizations.
India has pursued bilateral dialogue under the 1972 Shimla Agreement to resolve disputes peacefully. However, Western powers insist on granting the UN a more intrusive role, undermining India’s sovereignty. While India retains the right to defend itself against terrorism, the West dismisses such actions as “provocative.”
Pakistan must cease its support for terrorist groups. The UN should move beyond mere condemnations and take concrete counterterrorism measures. The West must abandon its hypocritical stance and respect India’s right to self-defense. China must stop fueling regional tensions.
If the international community truly desires peace in South Asia, it must take India’s security concerns seriously and act decisively against terrorism. Otherwise, the West’s adversarial approach will only escalate tensions, with ordinary civilians paying the ultimate price.
