In July 2025, Pakistan assumed the rotating presidency of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) — a position it will hold for the entire month. While the role is largely procedural, the symbolic weight of such international recognition has raised eyebrows in New Delhi and beyond. The big question: Could this shift give Pakistan a platform to challenge India diplomatically?
What Does the UNSC Presidency Mean?
The UNSC presidency rotates monthly among its 15 members (5 permanent and 10 non-permanent) in alphabetical order. The president is responsible for:
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Setting the Security Council’s agenda
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Presiding over meetings
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Coordinating briefings and press statements
This role, while not policy-determining, allows the presiding nation to highlight issues it considers important — and that’s where India’s concerns begin.
Pakistan’s Focus: What to Expect?
Historically, Pakistan has used international platforms to raise concerns about Kashmir, India’s military build-up, and regional instability. With the UNSC presidency, analysts expect Pakistan to:
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Bring attention to the Kashmir issue, even if informally
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Attempt to gather international sympathy
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Present itself as a responsible voice for the Global South
While the presidency doesn’t allow unilateral resolutions, Pakistan may use side events and briefings to amplify its narrative.
India’s Strategic Concerns
India, a rising power and recent non-permanent member of the UNSC (2021–2022), has often been at odds with Pakistan in international forums. Here’s how Pakistan’s presidency could potentially impact India:
| Concern Area | Potential Impact for India |
|---|---|
| Kashmir Discourse | Renewed global discussion, though informal |
| Diplomatic Signaling | Pakistan may attempt to appear more “diplomatic” |
| Narrative Setting | India might need to counter propaganda actively |
| Media Attention | International headlines may create perception bias |
India’s diplomatic missions in New York and Geneva will likely keep a close watch, engaging proactively to counter any unfavorable narratives.
Can Pakistan Influence Decisions at the UNSC?
Not really. The UNSC works through consensus and voting. As president:
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Pakistan cannot introduce binding resolutions independently
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Permanent members (P5) — US, UK, China, Russia, and France — hold veto powers
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Any attempt to push anti-India rhetoric would likely be blocked by allies of India
Hence, the influence is more symbolic than actionable — but that symbolism matters in global politics.
India’s Diplomatic Counterplay
India has remained calm in its public statements, relying on:
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Strong bilateral ties with major global powers
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A solid presence in multilateral organizations
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A consistent non-aligned, yet assertive foreign policy stance
India also enjoys growing support in the Global South, where it is seen as a development partner rather than a security threat.
China Factor: A Silent Supporter of Pakistan?
China, a permanent UNSC member and close ally of Pakistan, may informally support Pakistan’s diplomatic gestures. While it’s unlikely that China would risk upsetting India openly, backchannel support for raising South Asia issues could complicate India’s narrative control.
Conclusion: Symbolism vs. Realpolitik
While Pakistan’s presidency of the UNSC will draw temporary attention, real policymaking at the UNSC remains out of its reach. However, the symbolic value of holding such a prestigious post can’t be ignored — especially in the optics of global diplomacy.
For India, this moment is less about reacting and more about strategically reinforcing its own global narrative — one that emphasizes peace, development, and democratic values.
