New Delhi, Sep.11,2025:Alongside its reply to Switzerland, India also sharply criticized Pakistan. Tyagi labelled Pakistan as a “failed state” dependent on political propaganda, accusing it of harboring terror networks-
The opening salvo
India hits back at Switzerland with a stern, assertive response after Swiss remarks at the UN Human Rights Council (UNHRC) concerning minority rights, freedom of expression, and media freedom. What began as a diplomatic recommendation turned into a heated exchange, with India calling the comments “surprising, shallow and ill-informed.”
This response reflects India’s evolving posture on the global stage—a country no longer content to quietly absorb criticism, especially from foreign governments, but commanding attention and pushing back when it deems narratives misaligned with its self-image and its record.
What Switzerland said at the UNHRC
The Swiss delegate, Michael Meier, in his capacity during the 60th Session of the UNHRC, called on India to:
- “Take effective measures to protect minorities in India”;
- “Uphold freedom of expression and media rights.” These remarks formed part of a broader review in which Switzerland also expressed concern about human rights issues in other countries like Syria, Turkiye, and Serbia.
India’s rebuttal
India’s counter-response, delivered by Kshitij Tyagi, Counsellor in Permanent Mission of India at Geneva, was strong, multifaceted, and aimed at redirecting the narrative.
Racism, discrimination, xenophobia allegations against Switzerland
- India hit back by saying that Switzerland should focus on its own challenges, including racism, systematic discrimination, and xenophobia within its borders.
- Tyagi described the Swiss remarks as “surprising, shallow and ill-informed.” He suggested that, given Switzerland’s role as UNHRC president, the country should avoid narratives that misrepresent India’s reality.
- India’s image: Pluralism, democracy, ready to assist
- India emphasized that it is the world’s largest, most diverse and vibrant democracy, with a strong civilisational tradition of pluralism.
- In a somewhat unusual diplomatic move, India offered to assist Switzerland in addressing its own issues of racism, xenophobia and discrimination.
Response to Pakistan -“failed state” claims
- Alongside its reply to Switzerland, India also sharply criticized Pakistan. Tyagi labelled Pakistan as a “failed state” dependent on political propaganda, accusing it of harboring terror networks.
- India referenced past terror attacks (Pahalgam, Uri, Pathankot, Mumbai) and Bin Laden’s presence in Pakistan to underline its accusations.
netizens & media
- Social media in India responded loudly. Many praised India’s firm stance, calling it dignified, confident, and emblematic of what some are terming a more assertive “New India.”
- Indian media described the exchange as a diplomatic “clapback” or “slap of truths.” Some analysts see this as part of India’s pattern of resisting what it sees as biased criticism from the West or international forums.
Wider diplomatic implications
- Diplomatic tone and norms: This incident raises questions about how much critique from one democratic nation to another is acceptable, especially within bodies like the UNHRC. India’s response suggests that it expects mutual respect rather than one-sided moral lectures.
- Soft power and global image: By calling out Switzerland, India not only defended its reputation internally, but also projected soft power—asserting itself as a democracy unapologetic of its practices and proud of its diversity.
- Future UNHRC debates: Such exchanges may tighten the boundaries of what countries are willing to accept in terms of external criticism, especially from nations that themselves have human rights challenges.
Stakes & what lies ahead
India hits back at Switzerland wasn’t just about a single statement; it was about a changing diplomatic posture. India seems less willing to be lectured by others—particularly when it believes those others have their own issues of prejudice and systemic discrimination.
