Answer

With Pakistan assuming leadership roles in the UN Security Council (UNSC) Counter‑Terrorism Committee (CTC) and the 1988 Taliban Sanctions Committee, India faces significant diplomatic challenges in advancing its counter‑terrorism agenda and shaping global narratives on terrorism.

Diplomatic Hurdles for India

Counter‑Terrorism Agenda

• Legitimacy Undermined:  CTC credibility on terrorism is weakened as Pakistan which is a proven harbour for terrorism on many occasions assumes a steering role in the CTC leadership.
  Eg. India’s Defence Minister has compared Pakistan’s appointment as vice‑chair to “asking the cat to guard the milk.”
• Blocking Terror Listings: Pakistan, supported by allies, obstructs India’s efforts to list terror operatives at the UNSC.
  Eg. India accused Pakistan of using a “disguised veto” to block terror sanctions  as the details about rejecting or putting on hold requests to blacklist terror entities are not made public.
• Narrative Reversal: Pakistan uses these roles to accuse India of “state terrorism,” undermining India’s counter‑terrorism lobbying.

Shaping Global Narratives

• Control Over Taliban Sanctions: Pakistan chairs the 1988 Taliban Sanctions Committee, influencing the narrative on Afghan terrorism.
• Highlighting Kashmir Issues: Pakistan pushes Kashmir-related resolutions under themes like “Hindutva terror,” bringing Kashmir into UNSC debates.
• Strengthened Western Backing: The West’s engagement with Pakistan as a key regional player undermines India’s unilateral narrative.
  Eg. The Commander of U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM)  praised Pakistan as a “phenomenal counter‑terror partner” managing Afghan border security.

Strategic Measures for India 

• UNSC Coalition-Building: India should forge alliances with permanent and rotating UNSC members to counterbalance Pakistan’s influence.
  Eg. During its 2021 UNSC presidency, India worked closely with France, the UK, and Gulf partners.
• Evidence-Centric Diplomacy: India must present definitive dossiers to substantiate terrorism charges in UNSC forums.
  Eg. India submitted detailed intelligence linking terror infrastructure to Pakistani agencies like the ISI.
• Empower FATF Action: India should use the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) to pressure Pakistan on terror financing.
• Expand Track II Initiatives: India should engage international think tanks and parliamentarians to amplify its narrative globally.
  Eg. Operation Sindoor delegates reached 33 countries to clarify India’s position on terrorism.
• Leverage Quadrilateral Platforms: India should mobilise Quad and Indo‑Pacific partnerships for collective security messaging.
• Advocate UNSC Reform: India must push for transparency and prevent “disguised vetoes” in counter‑terrorism committees.
• Engage Islamic World Thought Leaders: India should build counter-narratives through moderate voices in the Gulf and Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC).
  Eg. India secured GCC and OIC support to exclude “Hindutva terror” phrasing from UN discussions.

Pakistan’s growing influence in key UNSC committees challenges India’s counter-terrorism narrative. India must strengthen coalitions, rely on evidence-backed diplomacy, pursue UNSC reforms, and engage regional and global partners through Track II diplomacy and FATF to maintain its credibility as a global counter-terror leader.

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