Pakistan condemns Indian NSA’s ‘avenging history’ remarks as inflammatory

Pakistan on Wednesday strongly condemned remarks by India’s National Security Advisor, Ajit Doval, in which he called for “avenging history,” describing the comments as provocative, hate-driven and inconsistent with responsible statecraft.

Speaking to reporters, Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson Tahir Andrabi said Islamabad had taken note of the statements, adding that such rhetoric was “hardly surprising.”

He criticized the remarks as rooted in imagined historical grievances, reflecting a dangerous mindset that substitutes for mature and responsible policymaking.

Doval made the comments during an event in New Delhi on Saturday, recalling sacrifices for India’s independence. He said, “The word 'vengeance' is not a good word, but it can be a huge force. We have to avenge our history and take this country to a point where we can establish India as a great nation in terms of our rights, vision and belief.”

Pakistan and India share a long history of strained relations, punctuated by disputes over Jammu and Kashmir, recurring border tensions, and intermittent diplomatic standoffs. Islamabad has in recent years repeatedly raised concerns over what it views as increasingly aggressive rhetoric from Indian leadership, which it says undermines prospects for peace and stability in South Asia.

The Foreign Office warned that inflammatory statements invoking historical revenge risk escalating tensions between the two nuclear-armed neighbors, distract from present-day challenges, and threaten regional stability. Pakistan has consistently called for dialogue, restraint, and adherence to international law, including relevant UN Security Council resolutions on Kashmir.

Spokesperson Andrabi emphasized that such remarks are detrimental to regional security and urged Indian authorities to abandon divisive narratives in favor of constructive engagement. He reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to peaceful coexistence, diplomacy, and pursuing lasting peace in the region through dialogue rather than confrontation.