A senior Pakistani politician has ignited a major diplomatic firestorm by making extraordinary territorial claims over three Indian states, dramatically escalating tensions between the nuclear-armed neighbors.
Controversial Claims Spark Outrage
Syed Sardar Ali Shah, a prominent Pakistani political figure, stunned observers by declaring that Gujarat, Haryana and Rajasthan are "parts of Pakistan" during a recent public address. The politician went even further by asserting that Pakistan possesses the military capability to "take them" if necessary.
This inflammatory statement came as a direct response to Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh's recent comments about Sindh, which had already created diplomatic friction between the two countries.
Background: The Sindh Remarks That Started It
The current war of words began when Defence Minister Rajnath Singh suggested that Sindh could potentially "return to India" in the future, noting that "borders can change" under certain circumstances. Singh emphasized that many Sindhi Hindus had never truly accepted the separation that occurred during the 1947 partition.
The Indian minister highlighted the deep cultural connections that persist across the border, referencing senior BJP leader L.K. Advani's perspective that Sindhi Hindus maintain strong emotional ties to their ancestral homeland. Singh also noted the spiritual significance of the Indus River for both Hindus and many Muslims in the region.
Pakistan's Strong Reaction
Prior to Shah's controversial claims, Pakistan's Foreign Ministry had already issued a stern condemnation of Rajnath Singh's statements, labeling them as "delusional, revisionist and expansionist" in an official communiqué.
The exchange represents one of the most heated diplomatic confrontations between India and Pakistan in recent months, with both sides making claims that challenge the established international borders recognized since the partition.
The timing of these statements is particularly sensitive given the ongoing efforts to maintain ceasefire agreements along the Line of Control and improve bilateral relations through backchannel diplomacy.
Historical Context and Regional Implications
The territorial claims and counter-claims reflect the deep-seated historical tensions that have characterized India-Pakistan relations for decades. The mention of specific Indian states as contested territory marks a significant escalation in rhetoric that could potentially impact regional stability.
Political analysts suggest that such statements often serve domestic political purposes in both countries, though they risk undermining diplomatic efforts and confidence-building measures that have been painstakingly developed over years.
The international community typically views such territorial claims with concern, given the nuclear capabilities of both nations and the history of armed conflicts between them.
As of November 28, 2025, neither government has indicated any intention to de-escalate the diplomatic confrontation, suggesting that this war of words may continue to dominate bilateral relations in the coming weeks.
