NEW DELHI: Defence minister Rajnath Singh on Tuesday criticised Pakistan’s defence minister Khawaja Asif over his recent warning targeting Kolkata, calling the remarks provocative and cautioning Islamabad against repeating past mistakes.”Pakistan’s Defence Minister should not have given such a provocative statement. 55 years ago, they suffered the consequences when Pakistan was divided into two parts. If they try to cast an eye on Bengal, only God knows how many parts Pakistan will be divided into this time,” Singh said.The response comes after Asif warned that Pakistan could strike Kolkata in the event of any “future misadventure” by India. Speaking in Sialkot, Asif had said, “If India attempts another false-flag operation, then, God willing, we will take it to Kolkata.”Also read – ‘We will take it to Kolkata’: Pakistan defence minister Khawaja Asif warns India of strikes in ‘future misadventures’He also alleged that New Delhi could be planning a “false-flag operation” to blame Islamabad, though he did not provide any evidence.Tensions between India and Pakistan have remained high since the April 22 Pahalgam attack last year, in which 26 civilians, mostly tourists, were killed by Pakistan-backed terrorists. The attack led to a brief but intense military confrontation between May 7 and 10.Hostilities eased after Pakistan sought a ceasefire, which India accepted, while maintaining that its military response under Operation Sindoor had only been paused. New Delhi has also asserted that it will not distinguish between terrorist groups and Pakistan’s military leadership in its response.Earlier, Asif had described Pakistan’s response to any Indian action as “swift, calibrated and decisive,” reacting to Singh’s warning that any future “misadventure” would invite “unprecedented and decisive” retaliation.The latest remarks also follow comments by former Pakistani high commissioner to India Abdul Basit, who suggested that Islamabad could target major Indian cities such as Mumbai and New Delhi if its nuclear arsenal were threatened, arguing that India would become the “next best option.”“If someone casts an evil eye on us, we will strike Mumbai and New Delhi without hesitation,” Basit added.About the AuthorTOI News DeskThe TOI News Desk comprises a dedicated and tireless team of journalists who operate around the clock to deliver the most current and comprehensive news and updates to the readers of The Times of India worldwide. With an unwavering commitment to excellence in journalism, our team is at the forefront of gathering, verifying, and presenting breaking news, in-depth analysis, and insightful reports on a wide range of topics. The TOI News Desk is your trusted source for staying informed and connected to the ever-evolving global landscape, ensuring that our readers are equipped with the latest developments that matter most.”Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideos’India’s Global Rise Needs Military Edge’: Michael Rubin Urges Delhi To Match Power With CapabilityGovt Boosts 5-Kg LPG Allocation For Migrants As Supply Pressure GrowsPakistan’s Kolkata Threat Row: TMC MP Abhishek Banerjee Slams PM Modi, Shah With Fiery Response“Mad Dog Has Bitten Them”: Assam CM’s Wife Launches Fiery Attack On CongressPM Modi Hails Nuclear Milestone, India’s Fast Breeder Reactor At Kalpakkam Reaches Criticality Stage“Saved Millions Of Lives”: Trump Repeats Explosive India-Pak Truce Claim Amid Iran WarPakistan To Repay $4.8 Billion In External Debt By June, Including $3.5 Billion To UAE: ReportJaishankar Speaks To Qatar PM, India Ramps Up Diplomatic Outreach Amid Iran EscalationUAPA Terror Case: NIA Court Sends US Citizen, 6 Ukrainians To 30-Day Judicial Custody‘Jointness To Theatre Commands Is Not Simple’: Lt Gen PJS Pannu On India’s Military Reforms123PhotostoriesCarry this with you for wealth and financial stability based on your birth date5 castles where people still live—and you can visit tooPlatinum vs Silver: What are the main differences?Baby names inspired by Lord Hanuman10 ancient ways people preserved food before refrigerators existed8 famous foods that aren’t actually from the countries you thinkWhy rotis turn soggy in casserole & 5 tips to keep them moisture-free6 ultra-rare Bugatti models ever built7 painting styles that elevate your home décor with a luxurious touch4 Bhagavad Gita shlokas that help when life feels unfair123Hot PicksLuka Doncic InjuryUpdated IPL Points TableOil PriceSilver Rate TodayLPG NewsPublic holidays April 2026Bank Holidays AprilTop TrendingRory McilroyBlake LivelyKerala pollsWest Bengal assembly electionEA FC 26 Team of the SeasonKerala ElectionAngel ReeseIPL Points TableSchool Holidays in AprilKarnataka 2nd PUC Exam Result Date
NEW DELHI: Defence minister Rajnath Singh on Tuesday criticised Pakistan’s defence minister Khawaja Asif over his recent warning targeting Kolkata, calling the remarks provocative and cautioning Islamabad against repeating past mistakes.“Pakistan’s Defence Minister should not have given such a provocative statement. 55 years ago, they suffered the consequences when Pakistan was divided into two parts. If they try to cast an eye on Bengal, only God knows how many parts Pakistan will be divided into this time,” Singh said.The response comes after Asif warned that Pakistan could strike Kolkata in the event of any “future misadventure” by India. Speaking in Sialkot, Asif had said, “If India attempts another false-flag operation, then, God willing, we will take it to Kolkata.”Also read – ‘We will take it to Kolkata’: Pakistan defence minister Khawaja Asif warns India of strikes in ‘future misadventures’He also alleged that New Delhi could be planning a “false-flag operation” to blame Islamabad, though he did not provide any evidence.Tensions between India and Pakistan have remained high since the April 22 Pahalgam attack last year, in which 26 civilians, mostly tourists, were killed by Pakistan-backed terrorists. The attack led to a brief but intense military confrontation between May 7 and 10.Hostilities eased after Pakistan sought a ceasefire, which India accepted, while maintaining that its military response under Operation Sindoor had only been paused. New Delhi has also asserted that it will not distinguish between terrorist groups and Pakistan’s military leadership in its response.Earlier, Asif had described Pakistan’s response to any Indian action as “swift, calibrated and decisive,” reacting to Singh’s warning that any future “misadventure” would invite “unprecedented and decisive” retaliation.The latest remarks also follow comments by former Pakistani high commissioner to India Abdul Basit, who suggested that Islamabad could target major Indian cities such as Mumbai and New Delhi if its nuclear arsenal were threatened, arguing that India would become the “next best option.”“If someone casts an evil eye on us, we will strike Mumbai and New Delhi without hesitation,” Basit added.
