At the United Nations General Assembly on September 29, 2024, India's External Affairs Minister, Subrahmanyam Jaishankar, delivered a pointed critique of both Pakistan and China, accusing them of undermining the territorial integrity of their neighbors. He specifically referenced the US$62 billion China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) project, initiated in 2015, labeling it a violation of India's sovereignty [8102752f]. Jaishankar attributed Pakistan's ongoing economic difficulties to 'conscious choices' made by its leadership, suggesting that the country's challenges are a form of 'karma' [8102752f]. This criticism aligns with India's broader strategy to assert its position as a global power and counterbalance to China, especially as it seeks a permanent seat on the UN Security Council [8102752f]. The call for a more representative UN was echoed by British Prime Minister Keir Starmer and French President Emmanuel Macron, both of whom endorsed India's bid [8102752f]. Meanwhile, China continues to oppose India's Security Council aspirations, largely due to ongoing territorial disputes [8102752f]. This diplomatic maneuvering occurs against the backdrop of India's heightened scrutiny of Chinese investments, as emphasized by Jaishankar earlier in September, where he highlighted the need for a careful balance between economic interests and national security [609b0e06]. The evolving narrative reflects India's strategic positioning amidst regional tensions and its efforts to foster international support against perceived threats from China and Pakistan [609b0e06].