India Hits Back at Pakistan on Minorities Charge, Calls Record ‘Abysmal’
India-Pakistan diplomatic row / MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal
New Delhi, December 30, 2025: The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has strongly rejected Pakistan’s recent remarks on alleged attacks on minorities in India, describing Islamabad’s own record on minority rights as “abysmal” and telling it to “stop preaching” on the issue.
In a sharp diplomatic response, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said India categorically rejects comments from a country whose own treatment of religious minorities is widely criticized across the world.
MEA’s Strong Statement
Responding to media queries on December 29, 2025, Official Spokesperson Shri Randhir Jaiswal stated:
The MEA’s statement came after Pakistan’s Foreign Office spokesperson Tahir Andrabi expressed concern over what he termed the “persecution of minorities in India,” including reported incidents of vandalism during Christmas and alleged “state-sponsored campaigns” targeting Muslims.
Pakistan’s Allegations
In his remarks, Andrabi referred to:
- Alleged vandalism during Christmas celebrations in some parts of India.
- Demolition of homes and incidents of lynching, which he claimed have “deepened fear and alienation among Muslims.”
- What he described as violations of the rights of vulnerable communities in India.
He also called upon the international community to take note of these developments and take “appropriate steps” to safeguard the fundamental rights of minorities in India.
India’s Counter: Focus on Pakistan’s Record
India has consistently dismissed such statements from Pakistan, arguing that they are aimed at diverting attention from Islamabad’s own domestic record and the misuse of minority rights narratives at international forums.
The MEA highlighted that Pakistan itself faces serious criticism for:
- Systemic persecution of religious minorities, including Hindus, Christians, Shias, and Ahmadiyyas.
- Widespread misuse of blasphemy laws against religious minorities and vulnerable individuals.
- Forced conversions and abductions of minority girls and women.
“Rather than delivering hypocritical homilies, Pakistan would do better to turn its gaze inwards and focus on its own abysmal human rights record,” the MEA had said in a previous statement on related issues.
Broader Diplomatic Context
This exchange is part of an ongoing pattern where Pakistan raises concerns about India’s internal affairs, especially on religious and minority issues, while India counters by pointing to Pakistan’s own record on freedom of religion, press, and human rights.
India has repeatedly maintained that Pakistan has no moral standing to lecture others, given its long history of bigotry, repression, and systemic mistreatment of its own minorities.
What Comes Next?
Diplomatic observers say that such tit-for-tat statements are unlikely to lead to any major escalation but will continue to dominate bilateral rhetoric, especially ahead of key international forums and human rights reviews.
India is expected to continue pushing back firmly against any external commentary on its internal matters, while also highlighting Pakistan’s own challenges in protecting minority rights and ensuring religious freedom.

