NEW DELHI, December 30 — India has categorically rejected Pakistan’s criticism regarding the treatment of minorities within its borders, instead highlighting Islamabad’s own “abysmal record” on the issue. The sharp diplomatic exchange underscores the continued extreme strain in bilateral relations following recent military conflicts.
What did Pakistan allege?
Pakistan’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson, Tahir Andrabi, expressed “deep concern” on Monday over what he termed the “persecution of minorities in India.” His remarks specifically cited “condemnable incidents of vandalism during Christmas” and alleged “state-sponsored campaigns targeting Muslims.” Andrabi further claimed that home demolitions and lynchings had deepened fear among Muslims and called on the international community to take “appropriate steps.”
How did India respond?
External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal issued a strong rebuttal, rejecting the remarks. “We reject the reported remarks from a country whose abysmal record on this front speaks for itself,” Jaiswal stated. He accused Pakistan of “horrific and systemic victimisation of minorities of various faiths,” calling it a “well established fact” that “no amount of finger pointing will obfuscate.”
What is the context of this exchange?
The diplomatic clash occurs against a backdrop of severely strained ties, particularly following a four-day military conflict in May 2024. That conflict was triggered by India’s strikes on terrorist infrastructure inside Pakistan, which New Delhi stated was retaliation for the Pahalgam terror attack in April. Following it, India closed the Attari-Wagah land border crossing and suspended the Indus Waters Treaty, among other punitive actions.
Is this a new point of contention?
No. India and Pakistan have repeatedly clashed in recent years over the treatment of each other’s minority communities. These conversations are now a regular part of their diplomatic interactions, and they frequently get more intense when there is more political or military tension between the two countries.
FAQs:
Q: What specific incidents did Pakistan’s spokesperson refer to?
A: Tahir Andrabi mentioned “state-sponsored campaigns targeting Muslims” and “incidents of vandalism during Christmas,” although he did not go into specifics in the reported statements.
Q: What measures did India take after the Pahalgam attack?
A: Following the Pahalgam terror event in April 2024 and the crisis that followed, India suspended the Indus Waters Treaty and closed the Attari-Wagah land border crossing, among other diplomatic and economic measures.
Q: What is the core of India’s counter-argument?
A: Asserting that Islamabad’s “abysmal record” precludes it from commenting on India’s domestic affairs, India’s response turns attention to Pakistan’s own treatment of minority communities.