Pakistan’s Defence Minister Khawaja Asif launched a scathing attack on Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, accusing him of being politically isolated on the global stage and claiming he has become a “global joke.”
Speaking to reporters in Islamabad on Wednesday, Asif said Modi’s diplomatic image has crumbled, with world leaders now reluctant to engage with him.
“He tries to shake hands, but people avoid him,” said the defence minister, suggesting a growing international disregard for the Indian premier.
Asif’s remarks come in the wake of sharp criticism from Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, who recently confronted Modi in the Indian Parliament over former US President Donald Trump’s explosive claim that five Indian fighter jets were downed during recent hostilities with Pakistan.
Gandhi challenged Modi to deny Trump’s statement publicly, asking:
“If Modi has the courage, let him say in this House that Trump lied… Say that there was no ceasefire and no Indian jets were downed.”
The remarks refer to the intense four-day military confrontation between India and Pakistan in May, which reportedly resulted in over 70 casualties on both sides before a ceasefire was announced one that Trump said he personally brokered.
Modi Denies External Pressure
Modi, speaking in Indian Parliament during a debate on the military campaign dubbed “Operation Sindoor,” denied any foreign pressure to halt operations.
“No world leader asked us to stop the operation,” Modi stated without directly naming Trump.
Despite his denial, Trump reiterated earlier this week that he was responsible for averting a major regional war.
“If I weren’t around, you’d have six major wars going on right now. India would be fighting with Pakistan,” Trump said during a stop in Scotland.
Modi Must Accept Losses
Khawaja Asif urged Modi to acknowledge Indian losses, particularly the fighter jets brought down by Pakistan, noting that even some elements in the Indian media and armed forces had accepted the truth.
He also said Modi had suffered visible embarrassment in Indian Parliament, as opposition leaders repeatedly question his narrative surrounding the conflict.
These desperate public appearances and statements from Modi are just attempts to reclaim lost political ground,Asif said. “But that ground is already gone.”
The minister’s fiery remarks highlight the deepening diplomatic and military tensions between the two nuclear-armed neighbors, whose latest skirmish in May marked on one of the most serious escalations in recent years.
