Indian speakers walked out without offering any substantive explanation, says Pakistan High Commissioner in London
The Indian delegation withdrew from a scheduled debate at the Oxford Union on India’s policy towards Pakistan, resulting in the Pakistani delegation being unopposed and effectively receiving points by default, Pakistan’s High Commission in London confirmed.
The High Commission noted that India attempted to replace its accredited speakers with lesser-known alternatives, which were not considered sufficient to continue the debate on the agreed terms.
He also noted that several Indian media analysts, who frequently comment on Pakistan, were absent. The withdrawal continues a series of instances of diplomatic and academic non-engagement by India since May 2025.
Key Indian speakers, including General MM Narwa, Dr Subramaniam Swamy and Sachin Pilot, pulled out at the last minute. The Pakistani delegation, which included General (R) Zubair Mahmood Hayat, former Foreign Minister Hina Rabbani Khar and Dr Muhammad Faisal, was present and fully prepared for the debate.
According to Pakistan’s High Commissioner, the three Indian speakers walked out on Thursday morning without offering “any substantial explanation” for their inability to attend a debate.
Indian delegation pulls out of Oxford Union debate at last minute, hands over to Pakistani side
The Pakistani High Commission in London @PakistaninUK regrets to announce that the Indian delegation is planning to participate in a high-profile debate at the Oxford Union…
— Pakistan High Commission in London (@PakistaninUK) November 27, 2025
The High Commissioner noted that the Pakistani delegation had already arrived in London and was preparing to travel to Oxford. He described the withdrawal as “a considerable embarrassment” for the Oxford Union and a missed opportunity for its members to hear a “structured, fact-based exchange on a critical regional issue”.
The statement highlighted that Indian members of the Oxford Union “significantly outnumber” Pakistani members, and even in a “friendly environment,” the Indian delegation “chose not to subject its policies to open scrutiny and a student vote.”
The High Commission said the decision reflected “a lack of confidence on the part of the Indian delegation in upholding India’s policy towards Pakistan in an open and rules-based forum.” He added that while Indian officials often express “aggressive rhetoric through partisan media platforms,” their representatives were “unwilling to test those claims in a neutral and intellectually rigorous debate.”
Pakistan, it stated, “remains committed to reasoned dialogue, responsible statecraft and peaceful dispute resolution,” and its speakers were prepared to argue its case “based on facts, international law and regional stability considerations.” The Pakistani High Commissioner also expressed his appreciation for the Union’s efforts and confirmed its willingness to participate in future events that promote “informed, respectful and substantive dialogue on the peace and security of South Asia.”
The Oxford Union has not yet commented on the withdrawal beyond informing organizers of the Indian delegation’s decision.
