New Delhi, Nov. 27 -- India has delivered a sharp and unequivocal response to Pakistan's criticism regarding Prime Minister Narendra Modi hoisting the flag at the Ayodhya temple, calling Islamabad's comments "hypocritical" and rejecting them "with the contempt they deserve." The remarks came during a press briefing by Ministry of External Affairs Official Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal, who was responding to questions from the media concerning statements issued by Pakistan over the ceremony in Ayodhya.

"We have seen the reported remarks and reject them with the contempt they deserve. As a country with a deeply stained record of bigotry, repression and systemic mistreatment of its minorities, Pakistan has no moral standing to lecture others...