Indian speakers withdrew without giving any substantial explanation, says Pakistan’s High Commission in London
The Indian delegation withdrew from a planned Oxford Union debate on India’s Pakistan policy, resulting in the Pakistani delegation unchallenged and effectively taking the points by default, the Pakistan High Commission in London confirmed.
The High Commission noted that India sought to replace its accredited speakers with lesser-known alternatives, which were not considered adequate to continue the debate under the agreed terms.
It also highlighted the absence of several Indian media analysts who often comment on Pakistan. The withdrawal continues a series of diplomatic and academic instances of non-participation 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 was fully prepared for the debate.
According to Pakistan’s High Commission, all three Indian speakers withdrew on Thursday morning without providing “any substantial explanation” for their inability to participate in a debate.
Indian delegation pulls out of Oxford Union debate at last minute, hands over Walkover to Pakistani side
Pakistan High Commission in London @PakistaniUK regret to announce that the Indian delegation planned to participate in a high-profile debate at the Oxford Union…
— Pakistan High Commission London (@PakistaninUK) 27 November 2025
The High Commission noted that the Pakistani delegation had already arrived in London and was preparing to travel to Oxford. It described the withdrawal as “a significant 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 submit its policies to open scrutiny and a student vote.
The High Commission said the decision reflected “lack of confidence on the part of the Indian delegation to defend India’s Pakistan policy in an open, rules-based forum.” It added that while Indian officials often deliver “aggressive rhetoric through partisan media platforms,” their representatives were “unwilling to test these 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 their case “on the basis of facts, international law and regional stability considerations.” The Pakistan High Commission also expressed appreciation for the Union’s efforts and affirmed its readiness to participate in future events that promote “informed, respectful and substantive dialogue on South Asian peace and security.”
The Oxford Union has yet to comment on the withdrawal beyond informing the organizers of the Indian delegation’s decision.
