India on Friday urged the International Monetary Fund (IMF) to reassess its decision to provide $1 billion in financial assistance to Pakistan, raising serious concerns that the funds could be misused to support terrorism.
Speaking at the Bhuj Air Force Station in Gujarat, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh made a forceful statement during an address to military personnel, asserting that India does not want its contributions to the IMF to be used directly or indirectly to finance terrorism in Pakistan or elsewhere.
"I believe that in today's time, any kind of financial assistance to Pakistan is nothing less than terror funding," Singh said. “India would like that IMF reconsiders its assistance of one billion dollars to Pakistan and refrains from giving any kind of assistance in future.”
His remarks came against the backdrop of Operation Sindoor, a recent Indian military campaign that, according to Singh, was a decisive demonstration of India’s ability to neutralise threats emanating from across the border. He praised the Indian Air Force (IAF) for its precision and rapid execution of the operation.
“In the time it takes to have breakfast, you neutralised the enemy,” Singh said, applauding the IAF’s swift 23-minute mission. “Operation Sindoor showcased the strength, professionalism, and resolve of the Indian Air Force. In just 23 minutes, you dismantled the terror infrastructure nurtured on Pakistani soil.”
He emphasised that the success of the operation had reverberated globally. “The world is watching. What our Air Warriors did was not just a military achievement — it sent a strong message that India will not tolerate terrorism and will respond with force and accuracy.”
Singh arrived at the Bhuj Air Force Station earlier on Friday to review the overall security situation, especially in light of recent threats and attempted strikes on the installation by Pakistani forces. His visit followed a trip to Jammu and Kashmir the day before, where he assessed the situation along the Line of Control and the International Border.
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Before departing for Gujarat, Singh posted on social media: “Leaving New Delhi for Bhuj (Gujarat). Looking forward to interact with our courageous Air Warriors at Bhuj Air Force Station.”
In addition to military matters, Singh used his platform to raise geopolitical concerns regarding global financial aid. He argued that Pakistan continues to shelter terrorist groups, and thus, providing it with financial support could indirectly finance terrorism.
“The IMF aid will be used to fund these terrorist organisations. Pakistan should not receive any financial support if it continues to harbour terror groups. We urge the IMF to reconsider,” he said.
Singh echoed similar sentiments during a visit to an airbase in Srinagar on Thursday. There, he accused Pakistan of deceiving India and offering sanctuary to anti-India elements. “Pakistan must stop providing shelter to terrorist groups and must not allow its territory to be used for attacks against India,” he said, adding that while Pakistan seeks loans from institutions like the IMF, India is one of the countries contributing to those very funds intended to aid genuinely needy nations.
By reiterating India's concerns about international financial flows possibly aiding terrorism, Singh sent a clear message: the global community must be vigilant and responsible when disbursing aid, especially to nations with a history of sponsoring or harboring terror networks.
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