External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar spoke out in the Lok Sabha Friday about the disturbing attacks on minority groups in Pakistan and Bangladesh. The minister stated that New Delhi is monitoring the treatment of minorities in Pakistan "very closely" and is making its stance "well known." However, he emphasised that India cannot modify the "fanatical and bigoted mindset" of its neighbour.

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar highlighted 10 disturbing incidents of attacks on Hindus in Pakistan that took place in February in response to a supplementary query during the Question Hour. Minister Jaishankar detailed the breakdown of the seven incidents, explaining that seven involved abductions and forced conversion, two were abductions, and one incident involved "police action" against students celebrating Holi.

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar revealed that there were three disturbing cases of atrocities against Sikh community members. A Sikh family came under attack, another family faced threats for reopening a long-abandoned Gurdwara, and in a particularly alarming incident, a Sikh girl was abducted and forcibly converted. Minister Jaishankar further mentioned that two cases involved the persecution of the Ahmadiyya community and another disturbing incident where a Christian individual with mental health issues was charged with blasphemy.

According to Minister Jaishankar, India is actively raising concerns about these incidents on the international stage.

"Like in Pakistan, we track the welfare and well-being of minorities in Bangladesh as well ... In 2024, we had 2,400 incidents relating to attacks on minorities and in 2025, 72 incidents ... I have taken it up with my counterpart there. The foreign secretary also took it up when he visited Bangladesh. This continues to be a matter of concern for our government," Jaishankar stated in response to another additional question.

When asked whether India plans to take "tough action" similar to former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi’s perspective against Pakistan, Jaishankar responded that New Delhi is constructing its position "well known." However, he emphasised, "we as a government and a country cannot change the fanatical and bigoted mindset of a neighbour." He added, "Even Indira Gandhi could not do it."