In a highly provocative address to the Pakistani diaspora in the United States, Pakistan’s Army Chief General Asim Munir reportedly made direct threats against India, including a pointed reference to Reliance Industries Ltd’s (RIL) Jamnagar refinery in Gujarat.
According to The Times of India, this is the first time a senior Pakistani military leader has publicly hinted at targeting one of India’s most vital energy assets in the event of future hostilities.
Threat to India’s Energy Infrastructure
Speaking at a private dinner gathering in Tampa, Florida, Munir allegedly referred to a social media post that featured RIL Chairman Mukesh Ambani alongside a verse from the Quran. He claimed to have personally authorised the post during a recent standoff with India, adding that it was intended to signal Pakistan’s potential course of action “next time.”
The verse, drawn from Surah Al-Fil (The Elephant), is often interpreted in a modern context as a metaphor for aerial attacks. Historically, it alludes to the destruction of an invading army in 570 CE — the “Year of the Elephant” — through divine intervention, with flocks of birds dropping stones of baked clay to halt the advance.
By invoking Ambani’s name, Munir appeared to symbolically target a figure representing India’s economic prowess and global stature, while highlighting the strategic value of the Jamnagar refinery, one of the largest refining complexes in the world.
Nuclear Threats and Strategic Signalling
Munir’s speech reportedly went beyond threats to conventional infrastructure. He is said to have reiterated Pakistan’s willingness to use nuclear weapons if it faces an “existential threat” during any future conflict with India. Such statements, analysts note, are part of Pakistan’s long-standing strategy of nuclear signalling, intended to deter conventional military escalation by India.
The address comes amid rising tensions between the two countries over issues ranging from cross-border terrorism to diplomatic disputes. Munir’s remarks also follow his second high-profile visit to the US in less than two months, during which he met senior American military and civilian officials. His engagements included interactions with members of the Pakistani expatriate community, where he appears to have made these controversial statements.
India’s Sharp Response
India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) reacted strongly to Munir’s nuclear rhetoric and his reported comments on targeting strategic Indian assets. In a statement, the MEA said New Delhi would not yield to “nuclear blackmail” and would take “all necessary measures” to ensure the nation’s security.
The ministry also said Munir’s comments reinforced “long-held concerns” about Pakistan’s nuclear command and control systems, suggesting that these remain under the influence of the country’s powerful military establishment, which it described as being “hand-in-glove” with terrorist organisations.
“Such irresponsible remarks from a senior Pakistani official underscore the risks of nuclear assets being in the hands of those who openly espouse hostile intent,” an MEA spokesperson said.
Pakistan’s Rebuttal
In a counter-statement, Pakistan’s Foreign Office dismissed the MEA’s reaction as “immature” and rejected India’s accusations about links between the Pakistani military and terrorism. “Pakistan strongly rejects the immature remarks made by the Indian Ministry of External Affairs earlier today,” the Foreign Office said, while accusing India of misrepresenting Munir’s statements.
Islamabad maintained that its security policies are defensive in nature and aligned with its national interests, while reiterating its claim that India engages in aggressive posturing.
Diplomatic and Strategic Implications
Munir’s speech has raised concerns in both diplomatic and security circles. Targeting the Jamnagar refinery, analysts point out, would constitute a major escalation, as it plays a critical role in India’s energy supply and exports. Striking such infrastructure could disrupt domestic fuel distribution, impact global energy markets, and invite severe retaliatory measures from New Delhi.
The invocation of Surah Al-Fil, while symbolic, has been interpreted by many as deliberate psychological warfare aimed at projecting religious legitimacy for potential military action. Experts suggest that such rhetoric may also be aimed at bolstering Munir’s image domestically and among expatriate Pakistanis by portraying a hardline stance against India.
Munir’s repeated trips to the US and his meetings with top American officials further complicate the picture. While Washington has not publicly commented on the reported remarks, such statements from a visiting foreign military chief could create awkward moments for US diplomacy, particularly given its calls for restraint between India and Pakistan.
Historical Context
Pakistan has, in the past, used indirect threats to Indian infrastructure, but explicit naming of economic assets — particularly those tied to prominent business figures — is rare. The Jamnagar refinery, owned by Mukesh Ambani’s Reliance Industries, is one of the largest integrated refining and petrochemicals complexes globally, with significant strategic importance for India’s energy security.
India and Pakistan have fought multiple wars since independence in 1947, with nuclear tensions becoming a persistent factor since both nations conducted nuclear tests in 1998. Periodic flare-ups along the Line of Control, coupled with inflammatory rhetoric from both sides, have sustained a fragile and volatile peace.
Looking Ahead
While the Pakistani Foreign Office has downplayed the controversy, India’s strong public rebuttal indicates that New Delhi is unlikely to ignore such targeted threats. Security analysts warn that this latest exchange could harden positions ahead of any future diplomatic engagements and might prompt India to further bolster the protection of critical infrastructure.
For now, Munir’s comments add another layer of strain to an already tense bilateral relationship. Whether intended as strategic messaging or as an appeal to a domestic audience abroad, the effect has been to amplify mutual distrust and spotlight the risks of nuclear brinkmanship in South Asia.
