Bhuj, Gujarat: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Friday, May 16, criticised the International Monetary Fund (IMF) for approving a $2.1 billion bailout to Pakistan, calling it an indirect endorsement of terrorism. Addressing air force personnel at the Bhuj airbase in Gujarat, Singh argued that the financial support to Islamabad strengthens entities that facilitate cross-border attacks on Indian soil.
“The IMF's aid to Pakistan is a form of indirect funding to terror,” Singh said, referring to Pakistan’s alleged use of its territory for harbouring and training terrorist groups. “Any financial assistance to Pakistan is actually terror funding. The IMF should reconsider its decision,” he added.
Have a look at his entire statement here:
His remarks came in the wake of Operation Sindoor, a major military retaliation launched by India targeting terror infrastructure across Pakistan and Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir. The operation was carried out following the deadly April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir.
Singh also warned that Pakistan plans to divert part of the $2.1 billion IMF aid to fund terrorist activities, including a reported allocation of Rs 14 crore to Masood Azhar, the UN-designated terrorist and head of Jaish-e-Mohammed.
Referring to India’s response to recent cross-border attacks, Singh said, “Pakistan has started rebuilding terrorist camps that we destroyed during Operation Sindoor... They will spend tax collected from its citizens, and even the IMF aid, to give Rs 14 crore to Masood Azhar.”
Bhuj Airbase Targeted By Pakistan, Defended Successfully
The Bhuj airbase, from where Singh addressed personnel, was among the Indian military installations targeted during Pakistan’s response to Operation Sindoor. However, all incoming missiles and drones were successfully intercepted by India’s multi-layered air defence system.
The Defence Minister praised the air warriors stationed at Bhuj for their role in ensuring the safety of civilian and military targets. “You made the country proud. Just 23 minutes were enough for our forces to crush the terror launchpads nurtured in Pakistan,” he said during his address.
Singh’s comments reflect growing Indian concerns over international financial support to Pakistan, especially when the country is accused of enabling terrorism in the region.
