Defence Minister says Modi faces international isolation and embarrassment at home
ISLAMABAD | July 30, 2025 — Pakistan’s Defence Minister Khawaja Asif launched a scathing attack on Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday, calling him a “global joke” who is politically isolated both within India and on the world stage.
“He tries to shake hands, but people avoid him,” Asif told reporters in Islamabad.
The remarks came a day after Indian opposition leader Rahul Gandhi challenged Modi to refute U.S. President Donald Trump’s claim that five Indian fighter jets were shot down by Pakistan during the May military conflict.
“If Modi has the courage, let him stand in parliament and say Trump lied,” Gandhi demanded during a fiery session in the Lok Sabha. “Say no jets were downed. Say there was no ceasefire.”
The four-day conflict in May, which reportedly claimed more than 70 lives on both sides, ended after President Trump publicly announced a U.S.-brokered ceasefire.
Khawaja Asif said Modi’s recent public statements and denials were desperate attempts to reclaim lost political ground.
“Even India’s own media and military sources have acknowledged their losses,” Asif said. “Modi’s denials are not just dishonest, they’re embarrassing.”
On Tuesday, Prime Minister Modi addressed parliament during a debate on “Operation Sindoor”, denying that any foreign leader influenced India’s decision to halt operations.
“No world leader asked us to stop the operation,” Modi insisted — without directly naming Trump.
However, President Trump reiterated on Monday that his intervention prevented a full-blown war.
“If I weren’t around, you’d have six major wars right now,” Trump said during a visit to Scotland. “India would be fighting with Pakistan.”
Khawaja Asif concluded by urging India to accept reality, adding that Pakistan’s military response in May proved the country’s resolve and capability.
