Pakistan’s Foreign Office on Wednesday dismissed recent comments by India’s National Security Adviser Ajit Doval, saying the rhetoric reflects New Delhi’s hate-mongering driven by imagined historical vendettas rather than responsible diplomacy. The statement came amid growing attention across the region over Doval’s speech to young Indian delegates.
FO spokesperson Tahir Hussain Andrabi said Pakistan had taken note of Doval’s remarks, made during the Viksit Bharat Young Leaders Dialogue on January 10. He criticised the language used, arguing it undermines regional stability and substitutes historical grievances for statecraft.
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“And such rhetoric is hardly surprising coming from camouflaged hate-mongers,” Andrabi added. He noted that substituting revenge for diplomacy reflects poorly on responsible governance and carries the potential to inflame tensions between the two neighbouring countries.
During his address, Doval invoked India’s colonial past and cited historical figures such as Mahatma Gandhi, Subhash Chandra Bose, and Bhagat Singh. He emphasised the need for India to strengthen itself economically, socially, and militarily to “avenge” past subjugation.
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Although Doval framed his speech as a message of inspiration for young leaders, Andrabi viewed the focus on revenge and historical redress as politically charged. He warned that such rhetoric could negatively impact diplomacy and regional peace efforts.
The Pakistani Foreign Office stressed that responsible statecraft should prioritise dialogue and development over retaliation. Andrabi’s comments underline Islamabad’s stance that historical grievances should not dictate current diplomatic or security policies.