India’s former Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Syed Akbaruddin, has openly criticised China for backing Pakistan’s demand for an inquiry into the recent terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir. He pointed to the strategic nature of multilateral platforms and the influence of geopolitical alliances on decision-making.
“We need to understand multilateral organisations are playgrounds of geopolitics and therefore, countries will decide not on the merits of the case but in terms of their ties with respective countries,” Akbaruddin told ANI. “We know the ties between Pakistan and China. In 2019, when Pakistan was not even a member of the Security Council, it was China which tried to bring this agenda item for a discussion, similar to what Pakistan has done here. It failed then, and that was after Article 370 was abrogated. Yet, a permanent member could not succeed. So, the Chinese and Pakistani relationship is well-known to the world and people quickly understand.”
He further added, “This is a game that Pakistan plays regularly, it's a game that it falters at, it is a game that its only ally in such thing is its all-weather friend China but the rest of the world has moved on, it recognises Pakistan for what it is.”
UN meeting ends without statement as Pakistan faces pushback
Following international pressure, Pakistan had called for an emergency consultation at the United Nations Security Council after the Pahalgam attack. But the closed-door meeting in New York did not end in Pakistan’s favour. According to sources quoted by ANI, Council members rejected Pakistan’s “false flag” narrative and raised tough questions about the involvement of Lashkar-e-Taiba, a banned terrorist group with known ties to Pakistan.
The consultations reportedly included strong condemnation of the Pahalgam attack. Some members expressed concern that the attack seemed to target tourists based on their religious identity. Despite the serious tone of the discussions, the UN did not release any official statement after the meeting, which Pakistan had requested as a non-permanent member.
India launches largest civil defence drills since 1971
Amid heightened tensions following the Pahalgam incident, India is conducting full-scale civil defence drills across 259 locations in 33 states and union territories. The drills, scheduled for 7 May, are the most extensive since the India-Pakistan war of 1971.
Preparations began a day earlier, with mock operations designed to train civilians in air raid responses, emergency evacuations, and shelter safety. Volunteers from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF) are leading the exercises. In India, where formal wartime shelters are uncommon, public infrastructure like basements and subways are being repurposed for use in such scenarios.
When sirens sound during the drill, civilians are instructed to take cover. Simulated attacks using air raid alerts, missile strike warnings, and drone surveillance are part of the training. Each unit follows specific code words and timed instructions to mimic real conflict situations.
Kashmir and UP see active participation
In Jammu and Kashmir, state authorities have carried out rigorous rehearsals. Police and rescue teams ran simulations including emergency rescue operations on the Jhelum River. Schoolchildren have also been trained on how to respond to bombing threats and interpret siren alerts.
Efforts have focused on raising awareness among students, who can then inform their families and wider communities.
In Uttar Pradesh’s capital, Lucknow, civil defence volunteers ran through fire response drills. They practised extinguishing flames, carrying injured people to safety, and following the dual-siren alert system—first for danger, then for all-clear. Each drill lasted between three and four hours and was treated as a real-time emergency rehearsal.
Safety kits, awareness, and coordination
Authorities are advising the public to keep emergency kits ready. These include torches with extra batteries, bottled water, non-perishable food, first aid supplies, and cash in case of a power outage or digital blackout.
Hospitals, police forces, fire brigades, and civilian volunteers are all part of the coordinated drills. The aim is to ensure communities can function under pressure and respond fast in the event of an actual attack.
Delhi tightens security ahead of drills
In the national capital, police have stepped up patrols around key public areas following a directive from the Union Home Ministry. Security has been increased around Connaught Place, India Gate, Janpath, Yashwant Place, Gole Market, and other critical locations.
Teams have been instructed to monitor rental vehicles and identify any suspicious activity. Night and day checks are ongoing as Delhi prepares for the nationwide exercise.
Rising tensions on the border
The drills come as ceasefire violations continue along the Line of Control in Jammu and Kashmir. In response, the Indian Army has strengthened its operational posture.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has assured the public that those responsible for the Pahalgam attack will be held accountable. On the other side, Pakistani officials have warned that any action by India would be met with a strong response.
With diplomatic channels under strain and the Security Council discussion yielding no resolution, India’s focus has shifted to ground preparedness and civilian resilience.
(With inputs from ANI
“We need to understand multilateral organisations are playgrounds of geopolitics and therefore, countries will decide not on the merits of the case but in terms of their ties with respective countries,” Akbaruddin told ANI. “We know the ties between Pakistan and China. In 2019, when Pakistan was not even a member of the Security Council, it was China which tried to bring this agenda item for a discussion, similar to what Pakistan has done here. It failed then, and that was after Article 370 was abrogated. Yet, a permanent member could not succeed. So, the Chinese and Pakistani relationship is well-known to the world and people quickly understand.”
He further added, “This is a game that Pakistan plays regularly, it's a game that it falters at, it is a game that its only ally in such thing is its all-weather friend China but the rest of the world has moved on, it recognises Pakistan for what it is.”
UN meeting ends without statement as Pakistan faces pushback
Following international pressure, Pakistan had called for an emergency consultation at the United Nations Security Council after the Pahalgam attack. But the closed-door meeting in New York did not end in Pakistan’s favour. According to sources quoted by ANI, Council members rejected Pakistan’s “false flag” narrative and raised tough questions about the involvement of Lashkar-e-Taiba, a banned terrorist group with known ties to Pakistan.
The consultations reportedly included strong condemnation of the Pahalgam attack. Some members expressed concern that the attack seemed to target tourists based on their religious identity. Despite the serious tone of the discussions, the UN did not release any official statement after the meeting, which Pakistan had requested as a non-permanent member.
India launches largest civil defence drills since 1971
Amid heightened tensions following the Pahalgam incident, India is conducting full-scale civil defence drills across 259 locations in 33 states and union territories. The drills, scheduled for 7 May, are the most extensive since the India-Pakistan war of 1971.
Preparations began a day earlier, with mock operations designed to train civilians in air raid responses, emergency evacuations, and shelter safety. Volunteers from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF) are leading the exercises. In India, where formal wartime shelters are uncommon, public infrastructure like basements and subways are being repurposed for use in such scenarios.
When sirens sound during the drill, civilians are instructed to take cover. Simulated attacks using air raid alerts, missile strike warnings, and drone surveillance are part of the training. Each unit follows specific code words and timed instructions to mimic real conflict situations.
Kashmir and UP see active participation
In Jammu and Kashmir, state authorities have carried out rigorous rehearsals. Police and rescue teams ran simulations including emergency rescue operations on the Jhelum River. Schoolchildren have also been trained on how to respond to bombing threats and interpret siren alerts.
Efforts have focused on raising awareness among students, who can then inform their families and wider communities.
In Uttar Pradesh’s capital, Lucknow, civil defence volunteers ran through fire response drills. They practised extinguishing flames, carrying injured people to safety, and following the dual-siren alert system—first for danger, then for all-clear. Each drill lasted between three and four hours and was treated as a real-time emergency rehearsal.
Safety kits, awareness, and coordination
Authorities are advising the public to keep emergency kits ready. These include torches with extra batteries, bottled water, non-perishable food, first aid supplies, and cash in case of a power outage or digital blackout.
Hospitals, police forces, fire brigades, and civilian volunteers are all part of the coordinated drills. The aim is to ensure communities can function under pressure and respond fast in the event of an actual attack.
Delhi tightens security ahead of drills
In the national capital, police have stepped up patrols around key public areas following a directive from the Union Home Ministry. Security has been increased around Connaught Place, India Gate, Janpath, Yashwant Place, Gole Market, and other critical locations.
Teams have been instructed to monitor rental vehicles and identify any suspicious activity. Night and day checks are ongoing as Delhi prepares for the nationwide exercise.
Rising tensions on the border
The drills come as ceasefire violations continue along the Line of Control in Jammu and Kashmir. In response, the Indian Army has strengthened its operational posture.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has assured the public that those responsible for the Pahalgam attack will be held accountable. On the other side, Pakistani officials have warned that any action by India would be met with a strong response.
With diplomatic channels under strain and the Security Council discussion yielding no resolution, India’s focus has shifted to ground preparedness and civilian resilience.
(With inputs from ANI
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