India slams Pakistan over terrorism, minorities and 1971 genocide denial

New Delhi: India on Friday criticised Pakistan's approach to global conflicts and tensions, citing remarks by its leaders, including Defence Minister Khwaja Asif, who in an interview-while defending Pakistan's role in the Pahalgam terror case-said Islamabad had done the "dirty work for the West" for decades, even as he sidestepped questions on Pakistan-backed terrorism.

"As you are aware, an all-party meeting was held on the ongoing conflict in West Asia. It was a closed-door meeting, and I have no comments. As regards Pakistan's longstanding approach to global conflicts and tensions, you may care to listen to criticisms by Defence Minister Khwaja Asif, National Assembly member Bilawal Bhutto Zardari and former prime minister Imran Khan," MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said.

He was responding to questions on the recent all-party meeting on West Asia, where External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar had made remarks in the context of the US asking Pakistan to pass on messages to Iran.


On Pakistan's treatment of minorities, Jaishankar said: "We have seen reports on the issue. Such comments are not isolated incidents but part of Pakistan's systemic victimisation of minorities, including the Shia community. The shrinking numbers of minorities in Pakistan reflect decades of fear, marginalisation, oppression and neglect at the hands of the state. Pakistan's record on protection of minority rights is well documented."

Jaiswal also pointed out that Pakistan remains in denial over atrocities committed during 'Operation Searchlight' in 1971, including the systematic killing of millions of Bangladeshis and widespread sexual violence, which forced millions to flee to India.

"We are all aware of the atrocities committed during 'Operation Searchlight' in 1971. The genocide involved the systematic killing of millions of innocent Bangladeshis and mass sexual violence against women. It forced millions to seek refuge in India. These atrocities shook the conscience of the world. Pakistan, however, remains in denial to this day. We support Bangladesh in its pursuit of justice," he said.

Jaiswal made the remarks in response to a recent message shared by Bangladesh Nationalist Party leader Tarique Rahman to mark Genocide Day. The message included archival footage depicting attacks on unarmed civilians, intellectuals and students at Dhaka University, Pilkhana and Rajarbagh Police Lines, describing the events as among the most heinous genocides in modern history.

The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) had earlier downplayed the events, but the latest reference to genocide is seen as an attempt to recalibrate its position.