Web Desk: Pakistan’s Defence Minister Khwaja Asif has sharply criticized Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, intensifying an ongoing war of words between political figures and commentators in the region.
In recent remarks, Asif accused Modi’s leadership and ideology of weakening India’s global standing. He argued that India’s diplomatic influence has declined over the past year, while internal challenges have continued to mount. His comments reflect a broader narrative among some critics who question the direction of India’s governance under the ruling ideology often associated with Hindutva.
Meanwhile, the criticism gained further traction after comments by Sweden-based academic Ashok Swain circulated widely on social media. Swain contrasted reports of tensions involving Indian-linked maritime concerns in the Strait of Hormuz with images of Modi participating in a boat ride on the Hooghly River.
Swain also referenced unrest in the northeastern Indian state of Manipur, suggesting a disconnect between domestic challenges and political optics. Additionally, he pointed to longstanding regional sensitivities surrounding water sharing linked to the Farakka Barrage, an issue that has historically influenced India-Bangladesh relations.
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