Why India Insists Inclusion of Pak in FATF Grey List

Delhi highlights that Islamabad allocates 18% of budget to defence

- JAYANTH JACOB @ New Delhi

India is intensifying its diplomatic efforts to push for Pakistan's re-inclusion in the Financial Action Task Force's (FATF) grey list during the upcoming plenary session in June. This move follows the Pahalgam terror attack, which New Delhi sees as part of a continued pattern of cross-border terrorism backed by agents in Pakistan.

Indian officials argue, despite being removed from the grey list in 2022, Pakistan has failed to take credible and irreversible action against terror groups operating from within its territory. New Delhi has already begun consultations with key international partners to build support for its case, with sources confirming that India will also oppose fresh World Bank funds to Islamabad, citing concerns over its counter-terrorism track record.

What is FATF?