India has issued a strong response to the recent statements made by Pakistan’s army chief, Asim Munir, during his visit to the United States, accusing Islamabad of irresponsible nuclear posturing. India has expressed serious doubts about the credibility and security of Pakistan’s nuclear command and control systems.
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) in a strongly worded statement, described the Pakistani military leadership’s comments as ‘irresponsible’, emphasizing that such remarks exacerbate existing concerns regarding the safety and responsibility of Pakistan’s nuclear arsenal.
The MEA asserted that ‘Nuclear sabre-rattling’ is a recurring tactic employed by Pakistan. The international community is urged to consider the irresponsibility demonstrated by such statements, which further raise concerns about the integrity of nuclear command and control within a nation allegedly plagued by military-terrorist group ties.
Asim Munir reportedly warned that if Pakistan’s survival was threatened in a future conflict with India, it would not hesitate to ‘destroy half the world.’ This statement is seen as a nuclear threat made from US soil against another country. Munir reportedly said, ‘We are a nuclear power. If we feel that we are being finished, we will take half the world with us.’ He also warned that any Indian construction on the Indus river system that could disrupt water supply to Pakistan would be completely destroyed. He emphasized that Pakistan has an ample supply of missiles.
Additionally, Munir alleged that India’s suspension of the Indus Water Treaty following the terrorist attack in Pahalgam in April could imperil around 250 million people.
The MEA statement also lamented that these remarks were made from a friendly third country. India has made it clear that it will not yield to nuclear threats and is prepared to protect its national security. This statement comes amid rising tensions between India and Pakistan, both nuclear-armed, highlighting concerns about security and stability in South Asia.