India on Monday condemned Pakistan’s “nuclear sabre-rattling” as its usual tactic, responding to Pakistan Army Chief Field Marshal Asim Munir’s nuclear threat against India made during his visit to the US. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) expressed deep concern over the remarks, highlighting doubts about the integrity of Pakistan’s nuclear command, which it said is closely linked with terrorist groups. India stressed it will not succumb to nuclear blackmail and will take all necessary measures to protect its national security. The MEA also regretted that such statements were made on the soil of a friendly third country.
During a speech to the Pakistani diaspora in Tampa, Florida, Munir warned Pakistan would use nuclear weapons if faced with an existential threat, stating, “If we think we are going down, we’ll take half the world down with us.” He also threatened to destroy Indian infrastructure if water flow to Pakistan was blocked. Munir described Kashmir as the “jugular vein” of Pakistan, calling it “not an internal matter of India but an incomplete international agenda,” a claim India rejected, reaffirming Kashmir as a union territory and demanding Pakistan vacate illegally occupied areas.
On his second visit to the US in just over a month, Munir said Pakistan had responded “resolutely” to recent clashes with India and promised a “befitting reply” to any aggression. He credited US President Donald Trump’s “strategic leadership” for preventing war, although India maintains hostilities ended through direct talks without US mediation. Munir also highlighted anticipated US investments, a trade deal, and expanded cooperation, including an oil agreement.
His visit involved attending the US CENTCOM change-of-command ceremony, meeting senior US defense officials, including outgoing CENTCOM commander General Michael E. Kurilla, and encouraging the Pakistani diaspora to support Pakistan’s progress.
0 Comments