Brasilia [Brazil], June 3 (ANI): Congress MP and leader of the Indian All-Party Delegation, Shashi Tharoor, expressed concern over the International Monetary Fund’s (IMF) recent bailout package to Pakistan, stating that while India supports financial assistance aimed at genuine development, any diversion of such funds to support terrorism or aggression is “most unfortunate.”
Speaking in Brasilia, Tharoor said, “We don’t begrudge any country its development if the money is to be spent truly on getting people out of poverty or helping deal with development issues. Why would we object? We are humane. We believe in the well-being of the poorest of the poor in any country.”
However, he added a strong caveat: “But if that money simply enables Pakistan to divert more resources to supporting terrorism, to arming themselves to attack us, and so on, then it would be most unfortunate.”
Tharoor urged international financial institutions to apply stricter safeguards on how such funds are utilized. “I hope that the World Bank and the IMF, both of which are bodies in which India does have some influence, will be told by our diplomats that it is extremely important to have complete safeguards to ensure that this money is only spent the way it’s supposed to be spent,” he said.
His remarks come after the IMF approved the first review of Pakistan’s economic reform program under the Extended Fund Facility (EFF) on May 10, authorizing a disbursement of approximately USD 1 billion. The IMF claimed that the decision reflected “strong program implementation” and a continued path of economic recovery for Pakistan.
In a post on X, the IMF stated, “IMF Board approved the first review of Pakistan’s economic reform program under the EFF, enabling a disbursement of ~ $1 billion, reflecting strong program implementation which has contributed to continuing economic recovery.”
India has consistently opposed international financial support to Pakistan without accountability measures, citing the country’s continued support for cross-border terrorism. On May 23, Indian government sources expressed appreciation for the 11 additional conditions imposed by the IMF on Pakistan but raised concerns about the timing and potential misuse of the funds.
“We are thankful for the additional 11 conditions imposed by the IMF on Pakistan. However, we are not against any financial assistance provided for genuine developmental agendas,” the sources stated. “We have raised questions regarding the timing of the recent bailout package given to Pakistan by the IMF. All these arms and ammunition are then used by Pakistan against India.”
India’s position highlights a growing call for greater scrutiny over the disbursement of international aid, particularly to countries accused of sponsoring terrorism. The government has stressed that global institutions risk damaging their credibility and undermining international norms if such assistance inadvertently fuels regional instability. (ANI)
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