Indian speakers withdrew without giving any substantive explanation, says Pakistan High Commission in London
The Indian delegation withdrew from a planned Oxford Union debate on India’s policy in Pakistan, allowing the Pakistani delegation to receive unchallenged and effective points by default, the Pakistan High Commission in London has confirmed.
The High Commission noted that India had attempted to replace its accredited speakers with lesser-known alternatives, which were not deemed sufficient to continue the debate on the agreed terms.
He also highlighted the absence of several Indian media analysts, who frequently comment on Pakistan. The withdrawal is part of a series of cases of diplomatic and academic non-participation by India since May 2025.
Key Indian speakers, including General MM Narwa, Dr Subramaniam Swamy and Sachin Pilot, withdrew at the last minute. The Pakistani delegation, which included General (right) Zubair Mahmood Hayat, former Foreign Minister Hina Rabbani Khar and Dr Muhammad Faisal, was present and fully prepared for the debate.
According to the Pakistan High Commission, the three Indian speakers withdrew Thursday morning without offering “any substantive explanation” for their inability to attend a debate.
Indian delegation withdraws from Oxford Union debate at last minute, gives way to Pakistani side
The High Commission of Pakistan in London @PakistaninUK regrets to announce that the Indian delegation is expected to participate in a high-profile debate at the Oxford Union…
– High Commission of Pakistan in London (@PakistaninUK) November 27, 2025
The High Commission 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 crucial regional issue”.
The statement points out that Indian members of the Oxford Union “significantly outnumber” Pakistani members, and that even in a “friendly environment,” the Indian delegation “has chosen not to subject its policies to open scrutiny and student voting.”
The High Commission said the decision reflected “a lack of confidence on the part of the Indian delegation in defending India’s policy in Pakistan in an open and rules-based forum”. He adds that although Indian officials often make “aggressive rhetoric through partisan media platforms,” their representatives were “unwilling to test these claims in a neutral, intellectually rigorous debate.”
Pakistan, he said, “remains committed to reasoned dialogue, responsible governance and peaceful resolution of disputes,” and its speakers were ready to make their case “based on facts, international law and considerations of regional stability.” The Pakistan High Commission also expressed its appreciation for the Union’s efforts and confirmed its willingness to participate in future events promoting “informed, respectful and substantive dialogue on peace and security in South Asia.”
The Oxford Union has not yet commented on the withdrawal, only informing the organizers of the Indian delegation’s decision.
