New Delhi: The Israel Defence Forces (IDF) has apologised for posting an incorrect map of India, showing the state of Jammu and Kashmir as a part of Pakistan. The apology came after social media backlash against this gaffe.
In its post on X, the IDF admitted that the map “fails to precisely depict borders” but claimed it was only an “illustration of the region”.
“This post is an illustration of the region. This map fails to precisely depict borders. We apologize for any offence caused by this image,” the IDF posted.
IDF’s apology came after several social media users, mostly Indians, flagged the error and urged the Israeli military to retract the post. Some even tagged Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
The map was part of a post that aims to depict the range of Iran’s missiles. This was released after the breakout of a fresh conflict between Israel and Iran. Iran launched hundreds of ballistic missiles against Israel on Friday after the latter struck military and nuclear facilities in the Shi’ite country.
The Congress, meanwhile, was quick to launch an attack on the BJP and Prime Minister Narendra Modi, after the release of the post.
Congress leader Pawan Khera took a swipe at Modi on X, calling it a diplomatic embarrassment for the Indian PM.
“Another day, another feather in Vishwaguru’s cap. His ‘friend’ shows ‘Jammu & Kashmir as a part of Pakistan,’ Khera posted.
Modi and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu share close ties, which have been showcased through multiple high-profile visits, warm public gestures, and frequent praise for each other’s leadership.
Modi became the first Indian Prime Minister to visit Israel in 2017, a symbolic moment that broke decades of diplomatic hesitancy.
Netanyahu is also known to have called up Modi on Friday after Israel’s strike against Iran.
