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www.desitalk.com – that’s all you need to know 5 CITY VIEWS January 23, 2026 Pakistan Has Divisive Mindset, India Accuses At The UN General Assembly -UNITED NATIONS I ndia accused Pakistan of having a divisive strategy disrupting the hitherto work and future goals of the United Nations. India’s Diplomat Eldos Punnoose said Pakistan follows a divisive agenda at a time when the United Nation’s call of the moment is for member states to be united. “At a time when member states have to rise beyond their narrow considerations, Pakistan continues to mis- use all platforms and processes in the UN to drive their divisive agenda,” Punnoose said. Punnoose was speaking to the UN General Assembly January 15, 2026 which was debating over the report of the Secretary General António Guterres on the work of the UN. Pointing out the need of the hour which the Secretary General had been emphasizing, Punnoose said, “Member states need to work together with a joint sense of purpose towards achieving reformed multilateralism.” Presenting his report, Guterres had said, “That is the paradox of our era: at a time when we need international cooperation the most, we seem to be the least inclined to use it and invest in it.” India also strongly criticized Pakistan for misusing the forum with an uncalled for reference to Kashmir. Pun- noose pointed out that Pakistan misses no opportunity to bring up reference to Kashmir in any forum. Pakistan had brought up an out of context reference to Jammu and Kashmir during a discussion on self determi- nation, and had said the region is not an integral part of India. Registering India’s strong objection, Punnoose reiter- ated that the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir has always been an integral and inalienable part of India. In its statement, Pakistan had placed Jammu and Kashmir, along with Palestine, facing continued denial of self determination, and had described the region as “Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir”. Emphasizing that India is a democracy, Punnoose reminded the General Assembly of India’s pluralistic nature. He cautioned, however, against the abuse by any state of the right to secession harming its territorial integrity. “The right to self-determination is a fundamental principle enshrined in the UN Charter. However, this right must not be abused to encourage secession in plu- ralistic and democratic states,” Punnoose stated firmly and called attention to the inappropriateness and misin- formation propagated by Pakistan regarding Kashmir. While mentioning self-determination, Pakistan had avoided reference to the 2024 democratic elections in Jammu and Kashmir in which people exercised their right to elect their representatives. Criticizing this discrepancy in firm words, India stated, “Though habituated, Pakistan would do well if they do not resort to baseless allegations and falsehoods and por- tray a picture that is completely detached from reality.” Earlier, in a separate discussion on Iran, Pakistan had made a statement quite contrary to such attempted interference in India’s territorial integrity. Pakistan had said, “The UN Charter prohibits threat or use of force against other States’ territorial integrity or independence, or to interfere in matters essentially within the domestic jurisdiction of states. Any external interference in the do- mestic affairs of states is inconsistent with international law and principles of the UN Charter.” Responding to the issues mentioned in the Secretary General’s report, India dwelt on its views on (1) expand- ing of the Security Council membership in both perma- nent and non-permanent categories, (2) maintaining of international peace and security, and (3) sustainable development, its financing and human rights. Guterres had narrowed down these three points for the UN to focus in future. He had said, “Let me boil it down to three principles that must be at the foundation of all our actions – not just for this year, but for our times.” India extended a firm assurance to the Security Coun- cil and the Secretary General of its full cooperation and support in the UN’s three-pronged agenda for future. By Archana Adalja PHOTO:UN Photo PHOTO:LoeyFelipe CourtesyUN Photo Indian Diplomat Eldos Punnoose addresses the UN General Assembly January 15, 2026. United Nations Security Council Chamber. O n Thursday, January 15, 2026, NewYork City Council Speaker Julie Menin named Indian American Councilman Shekar Krishnan, the Chair of the Committee on Oversight and Inves- tigations, considered by some as the City Council’s most powerful committee to investigate matters that affect NewYorkers. Councilman Shekar, in his statement responding to the appointment, said he had fough for the last four years, in the interests of immigrant neighbors, workers and families. He said he had taken on Uber and Lyft to protect drivers from exploitation, and fought to minimize the impact of former Mayor Eric Adams’ “anti-immigrant” agenda, as well as for health meals for studentsm Parks workers and tenants. “Being Oversight and Investigations Chair means that we can take on even more fights to protect and stand up for NewYorkers – holding anyone or anything that tries to take advantage of NewYorkers accountable,” Krishnan said in a Jan. 17, 2026 email mass-mailing. Saying he was honored to have been entrusted with the office, and that he would “fight to restore trust in our city government and prove to NewYorkers that the City Council fights for you.” Krishnan has also been named to Speaker Menin’s Leadership Committee and Budget Negotiations Team. In addition, he will also be a member of several committees, including Eduction; Parks and Recreation; Rules, Standards, and Ethics; Taskforce to Combat Hate,; Consumer andWorker Protection; and Transportation and Infrastructure. Krishnan recalled initiatives he had fought for in his previous years as Chair of the Parks and Reacreation Committee. “We’ve accomplished big things these past four years, and I promise we will take this momentum into chairing the Oversight and Investigations Committee.” Krishnan encouraged constituents to reach out to him by calling (718) 803-6373, emailing at krishnan@council. nyc.gov, or come in person on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays from 10 AM through 5 PM at 37-32 75th Street, 1st Floor, Jackson Heights, NY 11372. NYC Councilman Krishnan Named Chair Of Oversight & Investigations Committee By a StaffWriter PHOTO:Provided byoffice of Councilman Krishnan NYC Councilman Shekar Krishnan.