Responding to remarks made by the Indian External Affairs Minister in Lok Sabha regarding minorities in Pakistan, the Foreign Office spokesperson said India has no moral authority to speak on minority rights as it remains a ‘serial violator’ of those very rights.

The spokesperson emphasized that in Pakistan, state institutions work actively to safeguard minority rights as a matter of policy, whereas in India, minorities face frequent attacks with the tacit approval or complicity of the ruling establishment.

Highlighting India’s controversial policies and actions, the FO listed incidents such as the discriminatory Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA), the demolition of the Babri Mosque, the 2002 Gujarat massacre, the 2020 Delhi riots, and recent mob violence against minorities, particularly Muslims.

The statement concluded by urging India to take concrete measures to protect its minorities, ensure the safety of their places of worship, and stop the promotion of hatred and violence within its borders.

Below is the text of the Foreign Office statement:

India is in no position to champion minority rights, as it remains a serial violator of those very rights.

In Pakistan, state institutions actively work to safeguard minorities as a matter of policy. In stark contrast, incidents targeting minorities in India frequently occur with the tacit approval—or even complicity—of elements within the ruling dispensation.

The systematic promotion of hatred, discrimination, and violence against minorities in India is well-documented. From the discriminatory Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) to the bulldozing of homes; from the 2002 Gujarat massacre to the 2020 Delhi pogrom; from the demolition of the Babri Mosque in 1992 to the consecration of a temple on its ruins in 2024; from cow vigilantism and mob lynchings to attacks on mosques and shrines—India’s record is marred by egregious and systemic violations of minority rights, particularly those of Muslims.

Rather than feigning concern for minorities elsewhere, the Indian government would do well to address its own failures. It must take concrete steps to ensure the safety, protection, and well-being of minorities—including Muslims—and safeguard their places of worship, cultural heritage, and fundamental rights.