Gaurav Gogoi Criticizes IMF's $1 Billion Loan to Pakistan as "Shocking" Post-Pahalgam Attack
India Abstains from IMF Vote Citing Concerns Over Terror Financing
Guwahati, May 10 – Congress MP Gaurav Gogoi has sharply criticized the International Monetary Fund's (IMF) approval of a USD 1 billion loan to Pakistan, calling it “shocking and disappointing” in light of the recent Pahalgam terror attack. Gogoi expressed his concerns in a post on social media platform X, highlighting fears that the funds could further entrench military dominance in Pakistan.“The approval of a USD 1 billion loan after the Pakistan-sponsored Pahalgam attack is shocking and disappointing. The loan will only perpetuate the rule of the army over the state," stated Gogoi, who also serves as the deputy leader of the opposition in the Lok Sabha.
Gogoi pointed out that the IMF Executive Board includes 25 countries, such as the US, Japan, Australia, Germany, France, the UK, Italy, and Israel, implicitly questioning their support or abstention on the decision.
Congress Alleges Missed Diplomatic Opportunity by Modi Government
Earlier, Congress leader Jairam Ramesh accused the Indian government of not taking a firm stance. “The Congress had demanded on April 29 that India vote against the IMF loan to Pakistan,” he posted on X, referring to the IMF board meeting held on Friday. “The Modi government backed down. A strong ‘NO’ vote there would have sent a strong message.”Himanta Biswa Sarma Counters Congress Claims
In response, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma accused Congress leaders of spreading misinformation. “Exposing the Misinformation: IMF, Pakistan, and India’s Principled Stand—once again, Congress leaders like Jairam Ramesh and Pawan Khera are indulging in reckless propaganda, twisting facts and misleading the nation,” he wrote on X.India Abstains, Cites Terror Concerns
According to an official statement from the Union Ministry of Finance, India abstained from the IMF vote, voicing concerns about Pakistan's poor record with IMF programmes and the potential misuse of IMF funds for state-sponsored cross-border terrorism.The IMF’s decision includes the release of a USD 1 billion tranche under the USD 7-billion Extended Fund Facility (EFF) and an additional USD 1.3 billion under the Resilience and Sustainability Facility (RSF), approved during its board meeting on Friday.
India’s abstention highlights a cautious approach amid growing geopolitical tensions following the Pahalgam attack, which New Delhi attributes to Pakistan-sponsored terrorism.