At UNHRC, India criticizes Switzerland for 'ill-informed' remarks, offers help on domestic challenges

NEW DELHI: Indian diplomat Kshitij Tyagi delivered a sharp response to Switzerland at the 5th Meeting of the 60th Session of the UN Human Rights Council (UNHRC), calling its comments on India “surprising, shallow and ill-informed.”

Speaking at the session, Tyagi said, “As it holds the UNHRC presidency, it is all the more important for Switzerland to avoid wasting the council's time with narratives that are blatantly false and do not do justice to the reality of India.”

He added that instead of criticizing India, Switzerland should focus on addressing its own challenges, such as “racism, systematic discrimination and xenophobia.”

Highlighting India’s diversity and democratic credentials, Tyagi said, “As the world’s largest, most diverse and vibrant democracy, with a civilizational embrace of pluralism, India remains ready to help Switzerland address these concerns.”

#WATCH | At the 5th Meeting- 60th Session of Human Rights Council, Indian Diplomat Kshitij Tyagi says, "We would also like to respond to the surprising, shallow and ill-informed remarks made by Switzerland, a close friend and partner. As it holds the UNHRC presidency, it is all… pic.twitter.com/22R1vRJg67

— ANI (@ANI) September 10, 2025

Tyagi’s remarks underscore India’s insistence that discussions at the UNHRC be based on facts rather than “false narratives.” He emphasized that India expects even friendly nations to respect the integrity of the council and avoid wasting time on unsubstantiated claims.

Yesterday, Switzerland at the UN said, "In India, we call on the Government to take effective measures to protect the minorities and uphold the rights to the freedom of expression and the freedom of the media."