Israel Apologises After IDF Map Shows Jammu & Kashmir as Part of Pakistan, Sparks Outrage in India

Israel Defense Forces (IDF) apologised after sharing a missile-range map on X that mistakenly depicted Jammu & Kashmir as part of Pakistan. The map, posted late Friday, aimed to highlight Iran as a “global threat” but triggered widespread condemnation from Indian.

Roughly 90 minutes after the tweet went live, the IDF responded directly to complaints, saying: “This post is an illustration of the region. This map fails to precisely depict borders. We apologise for any offense caused.” The apology was prompted by an early complaint from the “Indian Right Wing Community” X handle, which tagged Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and warned, “Now you understand why India remains neutral. In diplomacy, no one’s really your friend.”

The error sparked outrage across India. Users on X demanded that the map be deleted and corrected, emphasising that portraying Jammu & Kashmir—or icy Ladakh—as anything but integral to India undermines national sovereignty. Sample reactions included calls to “have some shame” and reminders that “Indians are very particular about our maps.”

Congress leader Pawan Khera also weighed in, criticising the government’s close ties with Israel: “Another day, another feather in Vishwaguru’s cap. His ‘friend’ shows Jammu & Kashmir as a part of Pakistan.” The Indian government has yet to issue an official statement on the incident.

The map was shared amid escalating tensions in the Middle East, when Israel launched “Operation Rising Lion” targeting Iranian military and nuclear sites. Iran retaliated with missile and drone strikes on Israeli cities, including Tel Aviv and Jerusalem. The map featured concentric circles radiating from Iran to demonstrate missile range, encompassing countries from Saudi Arabia to India and China.

India and Israel share deepening strategic ties, with Prime Minister Modi’s 2017 visit marking a milestone. India is now among Israel’s top five trading partners and one of its largest defence equipment buyers. Given this backdrop, the map error, whether inadvertent or careless, rubbed against diplomatic sensitivities.

India steadfastly asserts that Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh, including areas under Pakistani and Chinese control, are integral to its territory—a stance reaffirmed by Prime Minister Modi amid recent terror and military tensions.