Israel Defence Forces issue apology over map error depicting J&K as part of Pakistan

The Israel Defence Forces (IDF) have issued a formal apology after sharing a map that inaccurately represented India's international boundaries, sparking strong criticism across social media. The map, which depicted Jammu and Kashmir as part of Pakistan, led to a wave of disapproval, particularly from Indian users, who called for its immediate retraction.

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In response to the backlash, the IDF clarified that the map was merely intended as a regional illustration and acknowledged that it did not accurately reflect international borders. The military force expressed regret for any offence caused by the image.

The controversy prompted reactions from Indian political figures as well. The opposition Congress party criticized the central government, taking a dig at Prime Minister Narendra Modi's foreign policy and his close association with Israeli leadership. Party spokespersons highlighted the map incident as a diplomatic misstep, underscoring perceived lapses in India’s international standing.

The IDF’s apology comes amid a tense backdrop in West Asia, where hostilities between Israel and Iran have escalated. Following Israeli airstrikes that reportedly targeted Iranian military and nuclear sites, Tehran launched a barrage of over 100 drones and missiles towards northern Israel. The attack marked a significant retaliation after several high-ranking Iranian military officials were killed, including Revolutionary Guards commander Hossein Salami.

As tensions rise in the region, the map error has further complicated Israel’s diplomatic optics, particularly with longstanding partners like India.