India has called on Pakistan to take decisive action against Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) chief Masood Azhar after reports surfaced about his recent public speech in Bahawalpur. This move highlights India's frustration with Pakistan’s inaction against the UN-designated terrorist, accused of orchestrating numerous cross-border attacks on Indian soil.

During a press briefing on Friday, Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal emphasized the need for Pakistan to hold Azhar accountable. "We demand that strong action be taken against him, and he should be brought to justice," Jaiswal stated, adding that the alleged speech exposed Pakistan’s "duplicity" in combating terrorism.

Reports suggest that Azhar, in his first public address in over two decades, vowed to renew jihadist activities targeting India and Israel. Delivered at the Umm-ul-Qura seminary near Bahawalpur, the speech included provocative remarks, such as calling Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu a "mouse" and urging followers to join JeM's efforts to establish a global Islamic caliphate. The speech coincided with the 100th anniversary of the fall of the Turkish caliphate and referenced the ongoing Gaza conflict.

Azhar, who has been linked to major terror incidents, including the 2001 Indian Parliament attack and the 2019 Pulwama attack, has been a central figure in India's calls for global action against terrorism. Following the Pulwama attack, India had named Azhar as an individual terrorist under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA).

Pakistan has consistently denied Azhar's presence within its borders. However, reports of his speech challenge this narrative and raise concerns about the JeM's activities in the region. Despite past claims of seizing Azhar’s Bahawalpur compound, recent intelligence indicates that JeM’s facilities have expanded in the area.

India has reiterated its demand for Pakistan to fulfill its international obligations by taking credible action against Azhar and dismantling terrorist networks operating on its soil. The MEA has underscored that ignoring such activities not only undermines regional peace but also exposes Pakistan’s failure to address global terrorism effectively.

This development comes at a critical juncture, with renewed tensions between the two nations over cross-border terrorism and its implications for regional stability.