Pakistan, July 30 -- Defence Minister Khawaja Asif has sharply criticised Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, calling him politically isolated both at home and on the global stage. He said Modi has become an "international joke" and is no longer respected by world leaders. Asif claimed that when Modi tries to greet other leaders, they avoid shaking hands with him.

These remarks come after Indian opposition leader Rahul Gandhi questioned Modi's silence over former US President Donald Trump's claim. Trump had stated that five Indian fighter jets were shot down by Pakistan during recent border clashes, a statement Modi has neither confirmed nor denied publicly.

Asif stressed that Modi's continued denial of aircraft losses is damaging his ...