India long-time ridiculer of Pakistan tops South Asia’s foreign debt list
Islamabad: India, which has habitually mocked Pakistan as a “bhikmanga” or beggar nation, has itself emerged as the country with the highest foreign debt burden in South Asia, according to a 2026 South Asia region report.
According to Kashmir Media Service, the report reveals that India carries the largest external debt in the region, amounting to a massive $765 billion, with a per capita foreign debt of approximately $535. This staggering liability exposes the hollowness of India’s claims of economic superpower status.
Despite facing multiple challenges, Pakistan’s debt position remains comparatively better managed than its much larger neighbour.
Analysts note that India’s enormous foreign debt reflects deep structural weaknesses in its economy, rising inequality and heavy reliance on external borrowing. The fact that India, which frequently ridiculed Pakistan’s economy, now shoulders the biggest debt burden in South Asia is both ironic and telling.
This situation once again highlights that India’s so-called economic rise is built on fragile foundations and massive liabilities, contrary to the tall claims made by its leadership.
