The Indian government has officially dismissed Pakistan’s recent announcement regarding an increased bounty on Masood Azhar, the leader of the militant group Jaish-e-Mohammed. Both The Hindu and the Hindustan Times report that Indian officials view the move as a "gimmick" intended to deflect international pressure rather than a substantive step toward accountability.

While both outlets agree on the core Indian response, the Hindustan Times adds that New Delhi specifically labeled the announcement as "phoney." This characterization reflects a long-standing skepticism in India regarding Pakistan’s willingness to prosecute individuals linked to cross-border militancy. The reports indicate that India views these administrative actions by Islamabad as tactical maneuvers designed to improve its standing with global financial watchdogs, such as the Financial Action Task Force (FATF), rather than a shift in policy against designated terrorists.

There is no reporting from the Pakistani side in these sources, leaving the specific details of the bounty increase—such as the exact monetary amount or the legal framework under which it was issued—unexplained. The coverage focuses exclusively on the diplomatic friction between the two nations, highlighting India's refusal to accept the legitimacy of Pakistan's internal security measures concerning Azhar.