FO hits out at Modi over ‘inflammatory monologue’

ISLAMABAD: For the second time this week, Pakistan condemned remarks by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and asked him to clear his conscience before issuing threats to others as was expected from a leadership truly in pursuit of international respect.

“It is regrettable, though not entirely unexpected, that the Indian prime minister has, once again, set aside the ongoing project of historical revisionism and the internal repression of minorities to deliver yet another inflammatory monologue. His references to weaponising water, a shared, treaty-bound resource, reflect a troubling departure from international norms and a stark contrast between India’s conduct in the region and its declared global ambitions,” said the Foreign Office on Wednesday.

Speaking to a youth rally in Gujrat, Modi questioned the contents of the Indus Waters Treaty. He said, “If you study the 1960 Indus Waters Treaty, you’ll be shocked.” He continued, “It was decided that the dams built on the rivers of Jammu and Kashmir would not be cleaned… For 60 years, these gates were never opened. Reservoirs that were supposed to be filled to 100 per cent capacity have now been reduced to only 2pc or 3pc.” Stating that the treaty has only been held in abeyance as of now, he added, “Right now, I haven’t done anything, and people are sweating there [in Pakistan].”

In a terse reminder, Pakistan reminded Modi that the Indian government was linked to extraterritorial assassinations and foreign subversion and was in occupation of foreign people and territories. Its record in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir is defined by systematic repression, it was pointed out. It is ironic that such a state now attempts to claim the mantle of victimhood.

“The ideological followers of India’s current government have normalised mob violence, promoted hate campaigns and targeted religious minorities. Such acts may serve domestic optics but cannot withstand international scrutiny. Nor do they inspire confidence in India’s image as a responsible regional power,” added the Foreign Office.

Instead, Pakistan urged India to return to the core principles of international order, including respect for sovereign rights of others and its treaty obligations, as well as restraint in both language and action.

“Jingoism may stir applause on the campaign trail, but it undermines long-term peace and stability. India’s youth, often the first casualty of chauvinistic nationalism, would do well to reject the politics of fear and instead work toward a future defined by dignity, reason, and regional cooperation,” said the statement.

Meanwhile Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister Senator Ishaq Dar will visit Hong Kong, Special Administrative Region of People’s Republic of China, on May 29-30, 2025 to participate in the signing ceremony for the Convention on Establishment of International Organisation for Mediation (IOMed). He will sign the IOMed Convention and address the ceremony on May 30, 2025 and also hold several bilateral engagements on the sidelines of the meeting.

“Pakistan believes that peace and security, as well as global prosperity, can be promoted and preserved through strict adherence to the principles of the UN Charter, faithful implementation of UN Security Council resolutions as well as international law. Mediation, diplomacy, dialogue, and international cooperation constitute important cornerstones of this comprehensive approach,” said the Foreign Office while announcing the visit.

Pakistan has joined the IOMed as one of its founding members and remains strongly supportive of the aims and objectives of IOMed, recognising its potential for mediation as well as peaceful and pacific settlement of international disputes.