During a recent visit to the Bhuj Air Force Station in Gujarat, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh fiercely criticized the International Monetary Fund (IMF) for approving a $1 billion loan to Pakistan. Singh expressed concerns that a significant portion of the funds may be diverted to finance terror-related activities within Pakistan. He urged the IMF to reevaluate its decision and consider the broader implications of continued support.
Speaking to Indian air personnel, Singh stated, “I believe Pakistan is likely to channel these funds into its terror infrastructure. India strongly recommends that the IMF reconsider its financial assistance.” His remarks came a day after visiting Srinagar in Jammu and Kashmir, reflecting growing unease within India over the IMF’s financial backing of its western neighbor.
Praising India’s recent defense operations, Rajnath Singh asserted that the nation no longer remains passive in the face of provocations. “Naya Bharat now responds—it no longer suffers in silence,” he proclaimed, applauding the military’s prompt and decisive response. Referring to recent operations, he mentioned that “Operation Sindoor is far from over. What’s been seen so far is merely a glimpse. When the moment is right, the world will witness the full picture.”
He emphasized that Pakistan is effectively on notice. “If its conduct changes, so be it. Otherwise, India will enforce the harshest consequences,” Singh warned.
Despite India’s vocal opposition, the IMF’s executive board granted approval for the second installment of a $7 billion financial package, citing Pakistan’s progress on economic reforms and stabilization measures. The global lender emphasized its commitment to supporting Pakistan’s economic resilience against climate and disaster-related vulnerabilities, with an additional $1.4 billion in funding expected soon.
India, however, chose to abstain from the IMF board vote and lodged an official protest. It highlighted that Pakistan has been the recipient of IMF loans for 28 of the past 35 years, often without meaningful reforms. The Indian delegation raised concerns about Pakistan’s repeated military interference in civil governance, which they argue hampers any sustainable reform efforts.
India further criticized IMF’s continued financial support to a nation it accuses of sponsoring cross-border terrorism, stating that such backing risks damaging the credibility of international funding institutions and undermines core global values.
