Goa, July 6 -- India on Sunday strongly rejected remarks made by Khawaja Asif after the Pakistani defence minister questioned the international honour conferred on Narendra Modi by Seychelles.

The sharp response came after Asif cast doubt on the legitimacy of the Guardian of the Blue Horizon Presidential Distinction, an award presented to Prime Minister Modi during his recent visit to Seychelles. His comments prompted an equally forceful reaction from Indian government sources, who dismissed his criticism as baseless and reflective of ignorance.

According to government sources, Asif's remarks highlighted the state of Pakistan's political leadership and showed a lack of understanding of international diplomatic honours. They also accused...