New Delhi: Pakistan’s Army Chief General Asim Munir has ignited a major diplomatic storm with his latest remarks against India, including a veiled threat to strike Reliance Industries Ltd’s (RIL) Jamnagar oil refinery in Gujarat in the event of a future military clash.
Security analysts note this is the first public signal by a Pakistani military leader of directly targeting India’s critical energy infrastructure.
Tampa Speech Targets Mukesh Ambani and Jamnagar Refinery
According to a Times of India report, Munir made the statement during a private dinner in Tampa, Florida, where he referenced a social media post showing RIL Chairman Mukesh Ambani alongside a verse from the Quran.
He allegedly claimed that he personally authorised the post during a past India-Pakistan standoff as a warning of Pakistan’s “next steps” if tensions escalate again.
Surah Al-Fil Reference & Symbolism
The verse cited comes from Surah Al-Fil (The Elephant), which is often interpreted as a metaphorical reference to aerial bombardment in modern military contexts.
Historically, it refers to the “Year of the Elephant” (circa 570 CE), when Yemen’s ruler Abraha’s army was destroyed through divine intervention — flocks of birds dropping stones of baked clay.
By naming Mukesh Ambani, Munir appeared to symbolically target India’s economic strength and global standing.
Nuclear Threat Raises Global Concerns
In the same address to the Pakistani diaspora, Munir reportedly went further by making a nuclear threat, stating Pakistan could resort to such measures if its national survival was ever in jeopardy during a war with India.
India’s MEA Calls Out ‘Nuclear Blackmail’
India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) swiftly condemned Munir’s remarks, rejecting what it described as “nuclear blackmail” and reaffirming that India will take all necessary steps to protect its national security.
The MEA further stressed that Munir’s comments highlighted global concerns about Pakistan’s nuclear command integrity and the country’s close links between its military and terrorist groups.
Pakistan’s Foreign Office Pushes Back
In its response, Pakistan’s Foreign Office dismissed the MEA’s statement as “immature” and defended Munir’s position.
Second US Visit in Two Months
These controversial remarks came during Munir’s second high-profile trip to the United States in less than two months, during which he held talks with senior American military and civilian leaders and addressed the Pakistani community abroad.
