Pakistan's Army Chief, General Asim Munir, has sparked controversy and heightened tensions with recent statements made during a dinner event in Tampa, Florida. Munir reportedly threatened to target Reliance Industries Ltd's Jamnagar refinery, the world's largest single-site refining complex, in Gujarat, during any future military conflict with India. This marks the first time a Pakistani official has indicated an intention to strike at India's economic assets.

Munir referenced a social media post featuring a Quranic verse (Surah Al-Fil) alongside a picture of RIL Chairman Mukesh Ambani, implying that he authorized it during a recent conflict with India to demonstrate Pakistan's potential actions in the future. The verse narrates the story of divine intervention against an enemy army, which can be interpreted as alluding to an aerial attack in modern warfare. This has led to speculation that Munir's threat was directed not only at India's economic infrastructure but also personally at Mukesh Ambani, who symbolizes India's economic power.

The Jamnagar refinery's significance to India's refining sector cannot be overstated. With an annual processing capacity of 33 million tonnes of crude oil, it accounts for 12% of India's total refining capacity.

India's Ministry of External Affairs has responded to Munir's remarks by accusing Pakistan of "nuclear sabre-rattling" and questioning the credibility of its nuclear command and control. The Ministry insisted that India would not succumb to "nuclear blackmail" and affirmed its commitment to taking all necessary steps to safeguard national security.

Intelligence agencies have previously reported threats to sensitive economic installations, including the RIL refinery, from Pakistan-based terror groups. India continuously assesses military and other threats to its sensitive economic installations, especially those located in border states or considered within range of Pakistani air attacks.

In related news, Pakistan has denied Indian allegations of "sabre rattling" and has promised a "matching response" to any aggression from New Delhi. These statements followed reports of Munir's remarks about nuclear threats in South Asia during his visit to the United States. Pakistan's military released details of Munir's US speech after an Indian news website reported contentious excerpts, claiming the general had said Pakistan would target any dam India builds on the Indus River with multiple missiles and warned of the risk of nuclear conflict.

Adding to the strained relations, India is reportedly planning retaliatory measures against Pakistani diplomats due to obstacles faced by Indian diplomats in Islamabad regarding gas, water, and intensified surveillance. Some analysts suggest that disagreements between India and the United States over a ceasefire with Pakistan and renewed engagement between the U.S. and Islamabad have contributed to a recent setback in India-U.S. relations.