Israel’s IDF Issues Apology After Map Excludes Jammu & Kashmir, Sparks Indian Backlash

Israel’s IDF Issues Apology After Map Excludes Jammu & Kashmir, Sparks Indian Backlash

June 14, 2025 — New Delhi / Tel Aviv : The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) on Friday night issued a rare public apology after a map posted on its official X (formerly Twitter) account sparked widespread anger among Indian users for inaccurately depicting India’s borders—excluding Jammu & Kashmir.

This post is an illustration of the region. This map fails to precisely depict borders. We apologize for any offense caused by this image.

— Israel Defense Forces (@IDF) June 13, 2025

The map was released as part of a visual meant to illustrate the reach of Iran’s expanding missile threat. However, the graphic misrepresented India’s internationally recognized boundaries, omitting sensitive regions like Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh, which India considers integral to its sovereignty.

The post, part of a campaign to label Iran as a “global threat”, backfired in India, where users took to social media demanding immediate correction and accountability from a nation considered a close ally.

Controversial Graphic Sparks Online Firestorm

The post, which included concentric red missile range circles emanating from Iran, depicted neighboring regions including parts of Europe, North Africa, China, and India. But it was the erroneous illustration of India’s borders that caught Indian users’ attention almost immediately.

Within 90 minutes, the IDF responded directly to criticism from a handle named “Indian Right Wing Community,” stating:

“This post is an illustration of the region. This map fails to precisely depict borders. We apologise for any offense caused.”

While the apology came quickly, it did little to ease the backlash. Many users expressed disappointment, noting that a strategic ally like Israel should have exercised greater geopolitical sensitivity.

One widely shared comment read:

“Now you understand why India remains neutral. In diplomacy, no one’s really your friend.”

Silence from Indian Government, But Sentiment Clear

As of Saturday, no official statement has been issued by the Indian government. However, the situation highlights India’s long-standing position that Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh are integral parts of the country, even as parts of those regions remain illegally occupied by Pakistan and China.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi had recently reiterated India’s sovereignty over these territories in response to the Pahalgam terror attack in May. The timing of the IDF’s error, therefore, added salt to the wound.

Strategic Ties Tested by Diplomatic Oversight

India and Israel enjoy strong defense and diplomatic relations, with New Delhi ranked among Tel Aviv’s largest defense clients. Trade between the two countries is also robust, with India being one of Israel’s top five global trade partners.

The two nations often cooperate on intelligence, cybersecurity, and counter-terrorism efforts. Prime Minister Modi’s 2017 visit to Israel marked a diplomatic milestone, further solidifying bilateral ties.

Hence, the IDF’s misstep came as a shock to many observers, who viewed the act not just as a cartographic error but a symbolic oversight in a region where border integrity is a matter of national pride and political sensitivity.

Why Borders Matter: The Case of Jammu & Kashmir

India has consistently protested any international misrepresentation of its borders, especially on global platforms or by allied nations. Jammu & Kashmir has been a sensitive geopolitical flashpoint between India and its neighbors, especially Pakistan.

Mislabeling maps — whether by corporations like Google, or foreign governments — has historically triggered official protests and even bans within India. Israel’s map blunder, even if unintended, has only added to this complex legacy.