Indian Delegation's Withdrawal Leads to Oxford Union Debate Cancellation, Fuels Diplomatic Dispute

London – A highly anticipated debate at the Oxford Union concerning India's policy towards Pakistan was abruptly canceled on November 27, 2025, after the Indian delegation withdrew at the last minute. The event, titled "This House Believes That India’s Policy Towards Pakistan Is a Populist Strategy Sold as Security Policy," was intended to foster a structured exchange between prominent figures from both nations. The cancellation has ignited a diplomatic dispute, with conflicting accounts emerging from both sides.

The Pakistan High Commission in London announced the Indian delegation's withdrawal, stating it resulted in an effective "walkover" for Pakistan. They noted that their speakers, including former Foreign Minister Hina Rabbani Khar and former Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee General (R) Zubair Mahmood Hayat, were present and prepared for the debate. The High Commission described the withdrawal as a "considerable embarrassment" for the Oxford Union and a missed opportunity for a fact-based discussion, suggesting it reflected India's "lack of confidence" in defending its policies on a neutral platform.

Conversely, Indian speaker J Sai Deepak, who was among the replacement speakers, offered a different perspective, alleging organizational failures and a "deliberate Pakistani gambit." Deepak claimed the original high-profile Indian speakers, including former COAS Shri Naravane and Dr. Subramanian Swamy, pulled out due to unavoidable commitments. He further stated that the Indian team abandoned their journey to Oxford after being informed the Pakistani delegation had not yet landed, only to later learn they were already in Oxford, leading him to accuse the Pakistani side of "deserting the battlefield."

The controversy was further fueled by the background of the Oxford Union's President, Moosa Harraj, who is reportedly the son of a Pakistani minister. This detail was highlighted by commentator Anang Mittal, who stated in a tweet, "> Indian right-wing commentator is invited to an Oxford Union debate on India/Pakistan. The Union's President is the son of a Pakistani minister. He flies to the UK. After multiple changes & dissembling by the Pakistani side, he is told the debate won't go ahead. What a travesty." This adds a layer of political sensitivity to the incident.

The Oxford Union debate, a renowned platform for intellectual discourse, has not yet issued a comprehensive statement addressing the conflicting claims or the circumstances surrounding the cancellation. The event's disruption underscores the persistent tensions in India-Pakistan relations and the challenges of fostering dialogue even in academic settings. Both sides continue to present their narratives regarding the contentious cancellation.