The Israel Defence Forces (IDF) has issued an official apology after sharing a map that inaccurately depicted Jammu and Kashmir as part of Pakistan, triggering strong backlash from Indian users on social media.
The map was shared as part of an IDF post amid heightened military activity in the Middle East, but soon drew criticism for failing to reflect India’s internationally recognised borders.
Facing pressure, including tags to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, the IDF acknowledged the mistake, stating on social platform X (formerly Twitter):
“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 clarification, however, did little to pacify many in India, who viewed the misrepresentation as a serious diplomatic oversight, especially given the traditionally strong India-Israel ties.
Congress Reacts
The incident also drew political reaction in India. Congress leader Pawan Khera slammed the BJP-led central government, accusing Prime Minister Narendra Modi of a “diplomatic embarrassment.”
“Another day, another feather in Vishwaguru’s cap. His ‘friend’ shows Jammu & Kashmir as a part of Pakistan,” Khera posted on X.
Modi and Netanyahu have cultivated a visibly warm relationship over recent years, marked by multiple bilateral visits and mutual endorsements.
The controversy emerged against the backdrop of renewed conflict between Israel and Iran. Following Israel’s Operation Rising Lion, which struck key Iranian military and nuclear sites, Iran retaliated by launching missiles and drones, with direct hits reported in Northern Israel. Several Iranian commanders, including Revolutionary Guard chief Hossein Salami, were reportedly killed in the Israeli strikes.
