New Delhi has strongly condemned fresh nuclear threats made by Pakistan Army chief Asim Munir, calling them irresponsible and an example of Islamabad’s long-standing “nuclear blackmail.” The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said such remarks highlight the risks posed by Pakistan’s nuclear command structure, where the military maintains close ties with terrorist groups.
MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal described the comments as “regrettable,” especially since they were made from the United States, a country considered friendly to both nations. He noted that “nuclear sabre-rattling is Pakistan’s stock-in-trade” and reaffirmed that India “will not give in to nuclear blackmail” while taking all necessary measures to protect national security.
Munir, recently elevated to field marshal following a brief period of hostilities with India in May, reportedly told members of the Pakistani diaspora in Florida that Pakistan could use nuclear weapons against India in the event of an existential threat. He allegedly also threatened to destroy Indian-built dams on cross-border rivers if the Indus Waters Treaty remains suspended.
Indian officials said these statements reflect Pakistan’s pattern of nuclear brinkmanship, which has fueled instability in South Asia for decades. They warned of the danger of Pakistan’s nuclear materials or expertise falling into the hands of non-state actors, given the military’s lack of accountability.
Munir’s comments come amid heightened tensions following the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir, in which 25 men were killed. India blamed Pakistan-based militants for the incident and launched Operation Sindoor on May 7 to dismantle terrorist infrastructure across the border. The operation sparked four days of hostilities before both sides agreed to a ceasefire on May 10. However, New Delhi has maintained that the operation is still ongoing.
Officials also questioned whether the US and the wider international community, which often emphasise preventing nuclear conflict, would hold Pakistan accountable for such provocative statements. Experts say Munir’s stance reflects both his hardline views on India and the Pakistani military’s dominance over the country’s political system.
