Geneva (Switzerland): India on Wednesday criticised Switzerland's remarks on minority rights during the 5th Meeting of the 60th Session of the Human Rights Council, urging the country to address its own issues, such as racism, systemic discrimination, and xenophobia, rather than directing criticism at India.

Indian diplomat Kshitij Tyagi described Switzerland's comments as "surprising, shallow and ill-informed," and emphasised that India is the "world's largest, most diverse and vibrant democracy" with a longstanding commitment to pluralism. He added that India would be willing to offer assistance to Switzerland on these matters.

"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 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. Instead, it should focus on its own challenges such as racism, systematic discrimination and xenophobia. 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," said the Indian diplomat.

The response followed Switzerland’s call for India to take effective steps to protect minorities and safeguard the rights to freedom of expression and freedom of the media.

On Tuesday, Switzerland stated at the UN, "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."

ANI