India skips IMF bailout vote for Pakistan, cites terror links…….

New Delhi – India abstained from a crucial International Monetary Fund (IMF) vote on fresh financial aid for Pakistan, reiterating concerns over Islamabad’s support for cross-border terrorism. The decision comes as Pakistan seeks another bailout to stabilize its struggling economy.

Government sources confirmed that New Delhi chose not to support the funding, citing Pakistan’s "failure to curb terror groups operating from its soil." India has long accused its neighbor of harboring militants, including those behind attacks in Jammu and Kashmir.

"India cannot endorse financial assistance to a country that perpetuates terrorism," a senior official stated. The abstention signals New Delhi’s firm stance, even as Islamabad negotiates with the IMF to avert an economic crisis.

Pakistan, facing soaring inflation and dwindling forex reserves, urgently needs IMF approval for the next loan tranche. However, India’s move highlights geopolitical tensions overshadowing economic relief efforts.

Analysts say the abstention reinforces India’s diplomatic pressure on Pakistan to act against terror outfits. Meanwhile, the IMF is expected to proceed with the bailout despite India’s position, as major Western nations back the package.

The development underscores the deepening divide between the nuclear-armed rivals, with economic diplomacy colliding with long-standing security grievances.

But even after India raised concerns about the effectiveness of IMF bailouts to Pakistan, highlighting the country’s poor track record and risks of debt misuse, the IMF reviewed Pakistan’s $1 billion Extended Fund Facility (EFF) program and considered a new $1.3 billion Resilience and Sustainability Facility (RSF) loan.