Rajnath Singh, India’s Defence Minister, has expressed concerns that Pakistan could use funds from an International Monetary Fund loan of $1 billion approved recently to support terrorist activity. Speaking at Bhuj Airbase in Gujarat, Singh stated: “I believe much of that $1 billion coming from IMF will be used for funding terror infrastructure.” mes Hindustan Times +2, The Times of India +2 and India Today all report it while Punch (France 24) also covered it extensively. Singh’s comments follow increased tensions between India and Pakistan following an April 22 terrorist attack that claimed 26 lives in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, which India attributes to Pakistan-based militants, which Islamabad denies. For more on this subject, see here and here (Wikipedia and Wikpedia respectively). India responded to the Pahalgam attack with Operation Sindoor on May 7, targeting terrorist infrastructure located within Pakistan and Pakistan-administered Kashmir. The operation, lasting 23 minutes and featuring missile strikes from Indian Air Force jets, resulted in significant militant casualties reportedly. (Wikipedia +3) Home Minister Amit Shah applauded Operation Sindoor as it demonstrated both Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s firm political will and India’s agencies’ precision intelligence. According to Shah at an inauguration of a multiagency center in Delhi – hosted by Vartha Bharathi +4 www.ndtv.com. – Sindoor stands as a unique representation of this partnership of firm political will by Mr Modi with our intelligence agencies working precisely together. “Operation Sindoor stands as an embodiment of his political will, our intelligence services’ precision intelligence capabilities and military might.” he stated at this event during an inaugural multiagency center inauguration by Mr Modi himself amidst cheers of appreciation from Home Minister Amit Shah +4 Home Minister Amit Shah +4 Vartha Bharathi+4 www.ndtv com IMF decision to grant Pakistan a $1 billion loan is part of its wider $7 billion economic stabilization program, while India abstained from voting due to concerns over possible misuse of funds. Reuter’s.com India Today As diplomatic efforts seek to ease tensions, Singh emphasized India’s readiness to respond appropriately if any aggression occurred, asserting: “Our forces are fully capable of responding appropriately if there were any misadventure on either side.” @EconomicTimes The international community closely follows developments, with calls for restraint and dialogue to avoid further escalation between nuclear-armed nations.
