Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde launched a sharp attack against Pakistan after the official office of the Pakistani Prime Minister circulated an edited photograph from the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation summit, cropping out Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Warning Islamabad against engaging in diplomatic gimmicks, Shinde emphasized that removing the Prime Minister from a picture would neither diminish India's international standing nor lessen PM Modi's global stature.
Deputy Chief Minister Reacts Strongly to Edited Photograph
Speaking to reporters on Tuesday, Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde condemned the actions of Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif's office, describing the deliberate omission as highly unfortunate. Shinde remarked that such behavior reflects Pakistan's long-standing pattern of provocative actions. He noted that while Pakistani authorities might have edited PM Modi out of a promotional image, Prime Minister Modi possesses the strength to wipe Pakistan off the world map entirely if he ever chose to do so.
The Deputy Chief Minister stressed that petty political tactics cannot erode the deep trust and respect PM Modi commands among 140 crore Indians. He added that Prime Minister Narendra Modi remains one of the world's most popular and respected leaders on the global stage, an established reality that cannot be altered by releasing a doctored image.
Context of the SCO Summit Family Photo
The controversy erupted after the Pakistani Prime Minister's office shared an edited version of the traditional family photograph taken during the 26th SCO Summit in Bishkek, the capital of Kyrgyzstan. The original photograph captured heads of state from all member countries standing together following an official session. However, the modified version released by Islamabad placed Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif prominently at the center while digitally removing several key world leaders, including PM Narendra Modi.
Operation Sindoor and Firm Stance on Terrorism
Reiterating India's military resolve, Eknath Shinde recalled the decisive response launched after terrorists targeted innocent citizens and women in Pahalgam. Under the leadership of Prime Minister Modi, Indian armed forces executed Operation Sindoor, completely devastating terror infrastructure inside Pakistan. During those military operations, Indian forces destroyed 11 enemy airbase camps and forced Pakistan to its knees.
Shinde asserted that the entire nation takes immense pride in the bravery of the Indian armed forces and the decisive leadership of the Prime Minister. He also pointed out that during the SCO Summit itself, PM Modi directly confronted Shehbaz Sharif over state-sponsored terrorism. PM Modi delivered an uncompromised message to member nations, emphasizing that there can be no double standards when combating terrorism and calling for unified global action to eradicate terror networks.
