At the 58th regular session of the Human Rights Council (HRC) in Geneva, India’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Arindam Bagchi, criticized the High Commissioner’s global update, calling for more accuracy and fairness in its assessment of India.

Bagchi dismissed concerns raised in the report, particularly regarding Jammu and Kashmir, as “unfounded and baseless,” emphasizing that India remains a thriving democracy with a pluralistic society.

“We urge a better understanding of India’s ethos of diversity and openness, which define our civic space,” he stated.

Highlighting recent developments in Jammu and Kashmir, including improved peace, high voter turnout in provincial elections, booming tourism, and rapid development, Bagchi argued that the global report misrepresented the situation.

“Ironically, in a year of notable progress for the region, the report still presents an outdated narrative,” he said.

He also called for introspection within the High Commissioner’s office, urging more accuracy in its assessments instead of generalizations and selective reporting.

The 58th session of the Human Rights Council is taking place in Geneva from February 24 to April 4, 2025.