BHUJ, May 16 — India on Friday urged the International Monetary Fund (IMF) to reassess its decision to extend a $1 billion loan to Pakistan, raising concerns that the financial aid could end up supporting terrorist activities.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, addressing military personnel during a visit to the Bhuj Air Force Station, voiced strong reservations over the IMF’s support to Islamabad, linking it to broader regional security concerns.
“Any kind of financial assistance to Pakistan, in today’s context, is nothing short of terror funding,” Singh said. “India does not want that the funds it contributes to the IMF be used directly or indirectly to create terror infrastructure in Pakistan or elsewhere.”
He further appealed to the global financial institution to halt future assistance to Pakistan, stating, “India would like the IMF to reconsider its assistance of one billion dollars to Pakistan and refrain from giving any kind of aid going forward.”
The remarks come amid heightened scrutiny over Pakistan’s use of international aid, particularly as tensions in the region remain elevated. Singh also took the opportunity to praise India’s military strength, referencing the recent Operation Sindoor.
“In Operation Sindoor, our armed forces not only dominated the enemy but also succeeded in decimating them,” he said. “Our Air Force has touched new and greater heights with its valour, courage and glory.”
Singh arrived in Bhuj earlier in the day to review the overall security preparedness of Indian forces amid the evolving regional scenario.
