Rajnath Singh urges IMF to reconsider aid to Pakistan

THE JHARKHAND STORY DESK

Bhuj, May 16: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, during a visit to the Bhuj Air Force Station on Friday, issued a strong statement urging the International Monetary Fund (IMF) to rethink its recent USD 1 billion assistance to Pakistan. He expressed grave concerns that such funds could be diverted to support terror-related activities.

“I believe that in today’s time, any kind of financial assistance to Pakistan is nothing less than terror funding,” he said. Singh that India does not want its contributions to the IMF to end up financing terror infrastructure in Pakistan or elsewhere.

He added that India expects the IMF to not only review the current aid package but also avoid extending any assistance to Islamabad in the future.

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The minister was addressing Air Force personnel during his visit to Bhuj, where he reviewed the security situation and paid homage to those who were martyred or injured during Operation Sindoor. Recalling Bhuj’s historic role in India’s military successes in 1965 and 1971, Singh said it once again stood as a symbol of victory in the recent conflict.

Praising the Indian Air Force for its swift and decisive actions during the operation, Singh remarked, “In just 23 minutes, our Air Force dismantled terror infrastructure being nurtured in Pakistan.” He described their performance as a source of pride for every Indian across the world.

He also made it clear that the recent actions were only a warning shot. “Operation Sindoor is not over yet. Whatever happened was just a trailer,” Singh said, adding that Pakistan has been placed on “probation,” and if it fails to change its behaviour, it will face a harsher response in the future.

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Singh’s remarks underscore India’s hardened stance on cross-border terrorism and its expectation that international institutions like the IMF act with greater accountability when dealing with nations accused of fostering terrorism.