New Delhi: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh issued a strong warning to Pakistan following provocative remarks by its Defence Minister Khwaja Asif regarding potential future conflict with India.
Addressing an election rally in Barrackpore, Singh criticised the statement made by his Pakistani counterpart and cautioned Islamabad against escalating tensions. Referring to the outcome of the Indo-Pakistani War of 1971, he reminded that the conflict led to Pakistan being divided into two parts and the creation of Bangladesh. He warned that any aggressive move targeting Bengal could lead to severe consequences for Pakistan.
The remarks came after Khwaja Asif suggested that Pakistan could target Kolkata if India carried out what he described as a “false flag operation”. The statement intensified the ongoing exchange of rhetoric between the two countries amid heightened regional tensions.
Singh also spoke about India’s recent military actions following the April 2025 terrorist attack in Pahalgam. He referred to the operation carried out by Indian forces to strike terrorist infrastructure across the border in Pakistan and Pakistan occupied Kashmir.
During the operation, Indian air strikes targeted multiple militant bases and training camps believed to be linked to cross border terror activities. Pakistan responded with missile launches that were intercepted by India’s air defence systems. The brief conflict lasted four days before both sides agreed to a ceasefire.
Meanwhile, political leaders in India criticised Pakistan’s remarks, suggesting that such statements may be an attempt to divert attention from internal challenges. BJP MP Jagadambika Pal said Pakistan is currently facing serious economic pressures and governance issues, which may be prompting leaders to make provocative comments.
Security agencies in India have also reported recent developments related to suspected terror activities. Authorities in Uttar Pradesh arrested four individuals believed to be linked to a terror module allegedly operated by handlers in Pakistan. The suspects were accused of planning attacks on key civilian infrastructure, including railway installations.
The latest developments highlight the continuing tensions between the two neighbouring countries as political and security concerns remain high in the region.
