India strongly rejected Pakistan’s recent remarks on the condition of minorities in the country, calling out Islamabad for its own record on minority rights. On Monday, December 29, 2025, External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal stated that Pakistan’s “horrific and systemic victimisation” of minorities of various faiths was a well-established fact and could not be obscured by attempts at finger-pointing.
New Delhi’s statement came in response to comments made by Pakistan regarding alleged incidents of vandalism during Christmas celebrations in India. Pakistan Foreign Office spokesperson Tahir Andrabi claimed that the treatment of minorities in India, particularly Muslims, was a matter of “deep concern.” He cited what he described as “recent condemnable incidents” of property damage and targeted campaigns against religious communities.
India dismissed these claims, emphasizing that such statements were intended to distract from Pakistan’s own record on minority rights. Jaiswal noted that the country making such remarks has an “abysmal record” regarding the protection of minorities, and therefore its criticisms held little credibility. The ministry further stressed that India remained committed to safeguarding the rights of all citizens, regardless of faith, and rejected attempts to politicize incidents within the country.
The exchange highlights ongoing diplomatic tensions between the two nations, with both sides accusing each other of misrepresentation regarding treatment of religious communities. India’s response aimed to underscore facts over allegations, reinforcing its stance that minority protection is a constitutional and legal priority.
Observers noted that the recent statements by Pakistan could escalate diplomatic friction, especially in the context of ongoing scrutiny of communal incidents in India. New Delhi’s firm rebuttal reflects its approach to international criticism, focusing on factual records and dismissing unfounded claims intended to shift attention from domestic issues in the criticising country.
