ISLAMABAD: Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has stirred freshcontroversy by asserting that Sindh, despite being part of Pakistan,remains civilisationally inseparable from India and that territorialborders are not permanent.
Speaking at an event in Lucknow on Saturday, Singh declared, “Today, theland of Sindh may not be a part of India, but civilisationally, Sindh willalways be a part of India.” He linked the region to the ancient IndusValley civilisation, often cited by Indian leaders as cultural heritage.
The minister went further, stating, “And as far as land is concerned,borders can change. Who knows, tomorrow Sindh may return to India again.”The remark immediately drew sharp reactions across Pakistan’s politicalspectrum.
Pakistan’s Foreign Office summoned the Indian Charge d’Affaires on Sundayto lodge a strong protest, terming the statement “highly provocative” and aviolation of diplomatic norms. Analysts fear it could escalate tensionsahead of scheduled foreign-secretary-level talks.
Defence analysts in Islamabad described Singh’s comments as part of apattern of muscular rhetoric from the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party,especially in the run-up to state elections where nationalist sentimentsplay a key role.
Sindh-based nationalist parties, including the Jeay Sindh Qaumi Mahaz andSindh United Party, condemned the statement as an attack on provincialsovereignty and warned against any adventurism.
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The Foreign Office spokesperson reiterated that any attempt to questionPakistan’s territorial integrity would be met with a befitting response,diplomatic or otherwise.
Observers note that such statements complicate efforts to normalise ties,already strained over Kashmir and other bilateral issues.
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