India has strongly criticised Switzerland’s comments on its minorities, describing them as "surprising, shallow, and ill-informed". New Delhi said that instead of questioning India, Switzerland should focus on addressing its own problems of racism, systematic discrimination, and xenophobia.

“We would also like to respond to the surprising, shallow, and ill-informed remarks made by Switzerland, a close friend and partner,” said Kshitij Tyagi, Counsellor in the Permanent Mission of India, Geneva. He was speaking on Tuesday during the General Debate on the oral update by the High Commissioner at the 60th Session of the Human Rights Council.

In its statement at the Council, the Swiss delegate had urged India to “take effective measures to protect minorities and uphold the rights to the freedom of expression and the freedom of the media.” The comments were made in the presence of several member states, as the Council reviewed global human rights concerns.

Responding firmly, Mr. Tyagi underlined that Switzerland currently holds the Presidency of the UN Human Rights Council, which makes it even more important for the country to avoid presenting views that do not reflect the ground reality. According to him, the Council’s valuable time should not be spent on 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 civilisational embrace of pluralism, India remains ready to help Switzerland address these concerns,” Tyagi said.

India’s response highlighted its position as a diverse and democratic country, rejecting what it sees as misplaced criticism. By pointing to Switzerland’s own record, New Delhi sought to shift the focus back on the responsibilities of the Council’s President while reaffirming its willingness to engage constructively on issues of human rights.