Pakistan has criticized India's Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) for allegedly misinterpreting remarks made by Army Chief Asim Munir during his recent visit to the United States. Munir's comments, made during an address to the Pakistani diaspora in Tampa, Florida, have sparked controversy and strong reactions from both sides.
During his U.S. trip, Munir reportedly warned of using nuclear weapons if Pakistan faced an existential threat in a future war with India. He also threatened to target any Indian dam built on the Indus River, referencing New Delhi's decision to suspend the Indus Waters Treaty. According to reports, Munir stated, "We will wait for India to build a dam, and when it does so, phir 10 missile sey faarigh kar dengey [we will destroy it with 10 missiles]". He added, "The Indus River is not the Indians' family property. Humein missilon ki kami nahi hai, al-Hamdulillah (we don't have a missile shortage, Praise be to God)".
In response to Munir's statements, the Indian MEA issued a strong condemnation, calling them "nuclear sabre-rattling" and a sign of the Pakistani military's dangerous mindset. The MEA suggested that such comments raised doubts about Pakistan's nuclear command and control, "particularly in a state where the military is hand-in-glove with terrorist groups". The ministry also expressed regret that these threats were made on the soil of a friendly third country. India has affirmed that it "will not give in to nuclear blackmail and will take all steps necessary to safeguard national security".
Pakistan's Foreign Office (FO) has rejected the Indian MEA's response, accusing it of "distorting facts" and "twisting statements out of context". The FO stated that the Indian narrative of an alleged "nuclear blackmail" is a "misleading and self-serving construct," asserting that Pakistan remains firmly opposed to the use or threat of force. It also warned that any violation of Pakistan's sovereignty and territorial integrity would be met with an immediate and matching response.
Munir's remarks also included a controversial comparison between India and Pakistan, likening India to a "shining Mercedes coming on a highway like Ferrari" and Pakistan to a "dump truck full of gravel". He questioned, "If the truck hits the car, who is going to be the loser?". This analogy has been interpreted as an attempt to highlight Pakistan's ability to inflict severe damage despite India's larger economy and advanced infrastructure.
Furthermore, Munir reiterated his earlier characterization of Kashmir as Pakistan's "jugular vein," claiming that it is not an internal Indian issue but "an unresolved international issue". He accused New Delhi of committing "aggression under Operation Sindoor," describing it as a "grave violation" of Pakistan's sovereignty.
The exchange of statements highlights the continuing tensions between India and Pakistan, with concerns raised about nuclear rhetoric and regional stability.
