India Dismisses Pakistan's Move to Raise Masood Azhar Bounty

India on Monday dismissed Pakistan's announcement of a higher bounty on terrorist Masood Azhar as mere posturing devoid of genuine intent. Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal termed the move a strategic ploy that falls short of concrete action against designated terror operatives.

"Such gimmicks and attempts at misdirection by Pakistan are not new. We have witnessed similar tactics in the past," Jaiswal said while responding to queries about Islamabad's latest announcement regarding the JeM chief.

The Indian government's skeptical response underscores New Delhi's longstanding criticism of Pakistan's counterterrorism efforts. India has repeatedly accused Pakistan of providing safe haven to terror groups and their operatives despite international pressure and designations by the United Nations and other bodies.

Masood Azhar, founder of the Pakistan-based Jaish-e-Mohammad militant group, has been linked to several terror attacks in India. His outfit has claimed responsibility for numerous strikes, including the 2019 Pulwama attack that killed Indian security personnel.

India's rejection of Pakistan's reward announcement reflects the broader impasse in bilateral relations and ongoing tensions over cross-border militancy. The statement signals that New Delhi views the measure as insufficient without corresponding enforcement action and genuine dismantling of terror infrastructure on Pakistani soil.