ISLAMABAD – Pakistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) on Wednesday strongly denounced Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s recent inflammatory remarks, calling them a dangerous escalation and a violation of international diplomatic norms. The Foreign Office described Modi’s comments as “regrettable but not unexpected,” citing a pattern of hostile rhetoric and internal repression by the Indian government.

The criticism follows a speech Modi delivered in Gandhinagar, Gujarat, where he characterized recent cross-border incidents as acts of war and warned of a forceful Indian response. He also claimed that long-standing agreements like the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT) were no longer binding due to alleged past mismanagement.

Inflammatory Rhetoric and Dangerous Narratives

In its official statement, MOFA said Modi’s speech represents “a troubling departure from international norms” and underscores the growing gap between India’s aggressive regional conduct and its aspirational global image.

“This is yet another example of India resorting to hyper-nationalist rhetoric instead of engaging in meaningful diplomacy,” the statement noted.

The ministry expressed alarm over Modi’s reference to weaponizing shared water resources — a clear reference to the Indus Waters Treaty — calling it a serious breach of international commitments.

Allegations of Repression and Global Subversion

MOFA also accused the Indian government of systematic human rights violations in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK), including the suppression of civil liberties and the targeting of minority communities. It further claimed that India is involved in extraterritorial assassinations and foreign subversion, pointing to recent international investigations linking Indian agents to overseas plots.

“It is ironic that a state engaged in cross-border violence and internal oppression would attempt to claim the mantle of victimhood,” MOFA said, highlighting India’s internal issues such as mob violence, hate campaigns, and religious discrimination.

Call for Responsibility and Restraint

Pakistan urged Indian leadership to return to the “core principles of international order,” including respect for sovereignty, treaty commitments, and measured diplomacy.

“Nationalist jingoism may win votes, but it erodes regional peace and stability,” the Foreign Office warned.

The statement also appealed to India’s youth, encouraging them to reject divisive politics and work towards a future grounded in regional cooperation and mutual dignity.

Backdrop: Escalation and Retaliation

The diplomatic row follows a recent military confrontation that nearly spiraled into full-scale war. On the night of May 6-7, India launched unprovoked missile strikes on Pakistani territory, allegedly targeting militant camps in retaliation for the Pahalgam attack that claimed the lives of tourists in IIOJK.

The Indian attack resulted in civilian casualties, including women and children, triggering a swift and forceful response from Pakistan.

In a restrained yet decisive retaliation, the Pakistan Armed Forces launched Operation “Bunyan-um-Marsoos”, targeting Indian military installations and downing six fighter jets — including three Rafales — along with dozens of drones.

The hostilities, which lasted nearly 87 hours, ended on May 10 after a U.S.-brokered ceasefire brought an end to one of the most dangerous flashpoints between the two nuclear-armed neighbors in recent history.

India’s Suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty

Adding to the tensions, New Delhi also unilaterally suspended its participation in the Indus Waters Treaty — a pivotal agreement facilitated by the World Bank in 1960 to manage water sharing between the two countries.

Pakistan has strongly objected to this move, stating it undermines international mediation mechanisms and violates treaty obligations that have maintained stability for over six decades.

Looking Ahead

As tensions simmer, Islamabad continues its diplomatic outreach to counter India’s narrative and reassert its commitment to peace and international law. Pakistan has also launched efforts at global forums to expose what it calls India’s “misinformation campaign” and dangerous regional conduct.

With the support of key allies and renewed international mediation, both countries are being urged to prioritize dialogue over aggression.