New Delhi: India on Tuesday strongly rejected Pakistan's recent statements linking the Indus Valley Civilization to its national identity, saying a country accused of promoting cross-border terrorism and religious extremism cannot claim the legacy of a pluralistic civilisation.
Speaking during the Ministry of External Affairs' weekly media briefing, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said Pakistan's actions over the years stand in sharp contrast to the values represented by one of the world's oldest civilisations.
He said a nation that has encouraged cross-border terrorism, religious fundamentalism and violence for decades cannot credibly project itself as the custodian of a diverse cultural heritage. Jaiswal also pointed to Pakistan's record on protecting minorities and preserving cultural rights, calling its claims unconvincing.
His remarks came after Pakistan's Information and Broadcasting Minister Attaullah Tarar described the Indus Valley Civilization as central to Pakistan's identity.
The MEA also criticised the ongoing legislative assembly elections in Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoJK), describing them as a "cosmetic exercise" intended to hide Pakistan's illegal occupation and alleged human rights violations.
Reiterating India's long-standing position, Jaiswal said the entire Union Territories of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh, including areas under Pakistan's occupation, are integral parts of India.
Responding to Pakistan's criticism of Defence Minister Rajnath Singh's remarks during the Kargil Vijay Diwas celebrations, the MEA dismissed Islamabad's statement as "baseless and hollow."
Singh had reiterated that any future dialogue with Pakistan would only be held on Pakistan-occupied Kashmir.
The MEA also reaffirmed that India's biggest concern remains Pakistan-sponsored cross-border terrorism and said meaningful engagement between the two countries is not possible unless terrorism ends.
