IDF Issues Apology Over Controversial Map Misrepresenting Indian Territories
The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) recently issued an apology after releasing a map that inaccurately represented Jammu and Kashmir as part of Pakistan and northeastern India as part of Nepal. This incident has caused significant outrage in India, especially amid escalating tensions between Israel and Iran. The IDF clarified that the map was not intended to accurately depict national borders but was merely for regional illustration. The Indian government has yet to respond officially, although it has consistently asserted that Jammu and Kashmir are integral parts of India. This incident highlights the sensitivity of India-Israel relations, especially given their strong ties.
| Jun 14, 2025, 11:18 IST
IDF Apologizes for Misleading Map
Following the release of a map by the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) that inaccurately depicted Jammu and Kashmir as part of Pakistan and northeastern India as part of Nepal, the military issued an apology on Saturday. The map was criticized for not accurately representing national borders. This apology came amid rising tensions between Israel and Iran, which sparked significant outrage in India.
In response to a post from an Indian account, the IDF acknowledged that the map "failed to accurately depict borders" and clarified that it was intended solely for regional illustration, not as an official representation. The apology was issued approximately 90 minutes after the initial post.
In a post on X, the IDF stated, “This post is a depiction of the area. This map fails to accurately represent borders. We apologize for any offense caused by this image.” The Israeli military was responding to a post from the 'Indian right-wing community' that read: “Now you must understand why India remains neutral. In diplomacy, no one is truly your friend.”
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India Has Not Officially Responded Yet
The Indian government has not yet provided an official response. However, it has consistently maintained that Jammu and Kashmir, including areas illegally occupied by Pakistan and China, are integral parts of the country. Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently reiterated this stance following the Pahalgam terrorist attack and during Operation Sindoor.
Strong India-Israel Relations Highlight Sensitivity
Given the strong and growing ties between India and Israel, this incident is surprising. PM Modi became the first Indian Prime Minister to visit Israel in 2017, marking a significant milestone in bilateral relations. India is one of Israel's largest trading partners and a major buyer of its military equipment.
The controversial map was part of a message portraying Iran as a global threat. This comes amid escalating tensions in West Asia, particularly following the ongoing military operations in Gaza after the Hamas attacks on October 7. Both Iran and Israel have conducted extensive airstrikes against each other, with the map shared by Israeli forces indicating that, besides India, 15 other countries, including Russia, Ukraine, China, and Sudan, fall within the range of Iranian missiles.
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On Friday, Israel launched extensive airstrikes on Tehran, claiming the operation aimed to eliminate Iran's nuclear enrichment program. Reports suggest that several top Iranian military commanders and over 70 others were killed, with significant facilities destroyed and many injured. In retaliation, Iran targeted various regions in Israel, including Tel Aviv and Jerusalem, with a barrage of drones and missiles. Hostilities escalated on Saturday with additional waves of attacks from both sides.
Iran is a global threat.
— Israel Defense Forces (@IDF) June 13, 2025
Israel is not the end goal, it’s only the beginning. We had no other choice but to act. pic.twitter.com/PDEaaixA3c
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