India has strongly criticized Pakistani Defence Minister Khawaja Asif’s remarks over the situation in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, saying these remarks are desperate attempts by the neighbouring country to cover up its own failings and deflect attention away from its human rights abuses. Addressing the media in New Delhi, Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said New Delhi categorically rejects these fabricated claims with the contempt they deserve. He stressed that the ongoing protests in PoK are a direct consequence of Pakistan’s decades-long policy of systemic economic exploitation, denial of fundamental rights, and administrative oppression in areas under its illegal and forcible occupation.
He pointed out that the Pakistani state has responded with extreme police brutality, blocking of essential supplies and medicines, internet blackouts, and use of lethal force against unarmed civilians. He expressed hope that the international community will hold Pakistan accountable for its misdeeds and abuses.
On the ongoing conflict in the Gulf region, Mr Jaiswal informed that ten Indian flagged vessels are still in the Persian Gulf region. Randhir Jaiswal said that since the signing of the MoU between the US and Iran on the 17th of June, 11 India-bound vessels have transited through the Strait of Hormuz.
The vessels include 3 Indian-flagged Crude Oil Tankers, each carrying over 2.85 lakh MT of crude oil, one foreign-flagged LPG carrier, one foreign flagged Crude Oil Tanker and six foreign-flagged Bulk Carriers, carrying fertilizer cargo. He hoped that the remaining India-flagged vessels would also be able to cross the Strait of Hormuz soon.
On Qatar’s explosion, Mr Jaiswal said that 12 Indian citizens were killed in the explosion. He said that a total of 66 people were injured in the incident and are currently receiving medical treatment. Mr Jiaswal said India is coordinating closely with the government of Qatar to expedite procedures related to the repatriation of the mortal remains of the deceased.
On the India-UAE defence partnership, the spokesperson said India’s relationship with UAE in recent several years has seen a major upswing, in which the defence partnership also plays an important role. Responding to another query, Mr Jaiswal said there are reports from Bangladesh regarding acts of desecration involving deities and their images, which have sparked protests. He said India expects the Bangladeshi government to curb the extremists there and guarantee the safety of the minority community.
