Pakistan has strongly rejected and dismissed what it termed as “misleading and one-sided” comments made by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi regarding regional peace. The response came in a statement issued by the Foreign Office (FO) on Monday, following Modi’s remarks in a podcast with American computer scientist and podcaster Lex Fridman, released on Sunday. During the podcast, Modi claimed that “every attempt to foster peace with Pakistan was met with hostility and betrayal” and expressed hope that “wisdom would prevail on the leadership in Islamabad to improve bilateral ties.”
The FO described Modi’s comments as incomplete and biased, pointing out that they deliberately ignored the unresolved issue of Jammu and Kashmir, which has persisted for over seven decades despite India’s commitments to the United Nations, Pakistan, and the Kashmiri people. The statement emphasized that the Kashmir dispute remains a critical obstacle to regional peace.
In the podcast, Modi was questioned about the strained relations between India and Pakistan and their future prospects. He referenced the violence of Partition and accused Pakistan of failing to pursue harmonious coexistence, alleging that Pakistan has consistently chosen conflict over cooperation. Modi also claimed that Pakistan has been involved in global terrorism, citing the 9/11 attacks and the presence of Osama bin Laden in Pakistan as examples. He asserted that Pakistan has become a hub of instability, not only for India but for the world, and urged Pakistan to abandon what he called “state-sponsored terrorism.”
Modi further recounted his efforts to improve relations, including inviting Pakistani leaders to his swearing-in ceremony as prime minister, but claimed that these gestures were met with hostility. The FO, however, dismissed these claims, stating that India’s “fictitious narrative of victimhood” cannot conceal its alleged role in promoting terrorism in Pakistan and its oppressive actions in Indian-occupied Kashmir (IoK).
The FO accused India of orchestrating targeted assassinations, subversion, and terrorism in foreign territories, rather than addressing its own actions. It reiterated Pakistan’s commitment to constructive dialogue and peaceful resolution of disputes, including the core issue of Jammu and Kashmir. However, it noted that India’s rigid stance and hegemonic ambitions have hindered peace and stability in South Asia.
The FO also condemned India’s anti-Pakistan rhetoric, stating that it undermines the bilateral environment and obstructs opportunities for cooperation. It called for an end to such narratives, emphasizing that they are detrimental to regional peace.
Recent events have further strained relations between the two nations. Following last week’s attack on the Jaffar Express train in Balochistan, Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) Director General Lt Gen Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry accused India of being the primary sponsor of terrorism in the province. He presented evidence linking Indian officials to efforts aimed at destabilizing Balochistan, describing the train attack as part of a broader Indian strategy.
Earlier this year, Indian Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi alleged that 60% of terrorists killed in IoK in 2024 were of Pakistani origin, with 80% of the remaining fighters also allegedly hailing from Pakistan. These claims were met with a strong rebuttal from Pakistan’s Army Chief, General Asim Munir, who dismissed them as “hollow statements” meant to divert attention from India’s internal challenges and human rights violations.
The FO also highlighted reports of India’s involvement in extra-territorial killings, including in Pakistan. A December 2024 report by *The Washington Post* detailed an alleged Indian intelligence campaign targeting individuals deemed threats to India’s national interests. The report cited six killings in Pakistan since 2021, allegedly orchestrated by India’s Research and Analysis Wing (RAW). Similar tactics were reportedly employed against Sikh activists in North America, including failed assassination attempts in Canada and the United States.
The report revealed that Indian operatives relied on local criminal networks and poorly trained contractors for these operations. However, these efforts faced setbacks, particularly in North America, where an assassination plot against Sikh activist Gurpatwant Pannun was foiled after an intermediary approached a DEA informant posing as a hitman. Canadian officials have also accused Indian diplomats of surveilling and plotting against Sikh activists, further straining India’s relations with Western nations.
India’s Ministry of External Affairs declined to comment on the report, maintaining its policy of neither confirming nor denying involvement in such operations. However, Indian officials have previously justified their actions as necessary for national security. Pakistan continues to call for accountability and an end to what it describes as India’s destabilizing activities in the region.
