India has strongly criticized statements made by Pakistan’s army chief, Asim Munir, during his recent visit to the United States, accusing Islamabad of engaging in reckless nuclear posturing. The Indian government expressed serious concerns about the credibility of Pakistan’s nuclear command and control systems, pointing to what it perceives as a dangerous display of nuclear capabilities.
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) issued a harsh statement, labeling the Pakistani military leadership’s comments as ‘irresponsible’. The MEA highlighted that such statements only serve to amplify existing doubts regarding the safety and accountability of Pakistan’s nuclear arsenal.
‘Nuclear sabre-rattling is Pakistan’s stock-in-trade,’ the MEA stated. It urged the international community to draw its own conclusions about the irresponsibility inherent in these remarks, which also reinforce concerns about the integrity of nuclear command and control within a state where the military is alleged to be intertwined with terrorist groups.
Asim Munir reportedly stated that if Pakistan’s existence were threatened in a future conflict with India, it would not hesitate to ‘destroy half the world.’ This remark is perceived as a nuclear threat issued from US soil. He added, ‘We are a nuclear power. If we feel that we are being finished, we will take half the world with us.’ Munir also warned of the complete destruction of any Indian infrastructure constructed on the Indus river system that could disrupt Pakistan’s water supply. He underscored Pakistan’s significant missile capabilities, as well.
Furthermore, Munir alleged that India’s suspension of the Indus Water Treaty following the terrorist attack in Pahalgam in April could jeopardize the food security of around 250 million people.
In response, the MEA noted with regret that these remarks were made from a friendly third country’s soil. India reaffirmed its commitment to not succumb to nuclear blackmail and vowed to take all necessary measures to safeguard its national security. This statement comes amid heightened tensions between India and Pakistan, both nuclear-armed nations, and underscores the renewed focus on security and stability in South Asia.