The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) issued a formal apology after sharing a map on social media that incorrectly depicted Jammu and Kashmir as part of Pakistan, prompting widespread criticism from Indian users and political leaders.
The controversial map, posted on X (formerly Twitter), was meant to illustrate regional military developments, but inadvertently ignited a diplomatic stir.
“This post is an illustration of the region. This map fails to precisely depict borders. We apologize for any offence caused by this image,” the IDF clarified in its follow-up statement.
The apology followed swift backlash, particularly from Indian social media users, many of whom tagged Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, urging a retraction. The post was flagged as factually incorrect and diplomatically insensitive, considering the longstanding position of India on its territorial integrity.
🏛️ Congress Criticizes Modi Government
The controversy quickly escalated into the political arena, with the Indian National Congress seizing the opportunity to criticize Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s foreign policy.
Senior Congress leader Pawan Khera took to X and posted:
“Another day, another feather in Vishwaguru’s cap. His ‘friend’ shows ‘Jammu & Kashmir as a part of Pakistan.”
The remark referenced Modi’s close personal and diplomatic ties with Netanyahu, built through multiple state visits, public camaraderie, and strategic agreements since Modi’s historic visit to Israel in 2017, the first by any Indian Prime Minister.
🌍 Ongoing Israel-Iran Conflict
Amid the mapping controversy, tensions in the Middle East have dramatically escalated. On Saturday morning, Iran launched a new wave of missile attacks targeting northern Israel, setting off air-raid sirens and forcing civilians into shelters.
The missile barrage came in response to Israel’s overnight airstrikes, part of ‘Operation Rising Lion’, which reportedly killed several senior Iranian military leaders, including Hossein Salami, chief of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC).
Iran had earlier deployed over 100 drones toward Israeli territory, escalating fears of broader regional conflict.