Earlier on Monday, Andrabi said the “persecution of minorities in India is a matter of deep concern”, when asked about vandalism reported during Christmas celebrations in some parts of the country. He referred to what he described as “recent condemnable incidents” during Christmas, as well as alleged campaigns targeting Muslims.

Andrabi also called on the international community to take note of incidents “targeting religious minorities” in India, including “Christmas-related vandalism and attacks on Muslims”, and to take steps to protect the fundamental rights of vulnerable groups.

In November, Pakistan had raised objections to the participation of Prime Minister Narendra Modi in the flag-hoisting ceremony at the Ram Temple.

Those remarks were also rejected by the Ministry of External Affairs, which described them as politically motivated and unacceptable.

“We have seen the reported remarks and reject them with the contempt they deserve. As a country with a deeply stained record of bigotry, repression, and systemic mistreatment of its minorities, Pakistan has no moral standing to lecture others,” Jaiswal had said at the time.