An ‘Absurd’ and Irresponsible Threat: India Slams Pakistan Army Chief’s Nuclear Remarks Made on US Soil

Former National Security Advisor Tilak Devasher has called General Asim Munir’s nuclear saber-rattling “absurd,” while the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) issued a strong statement questioning the integrity of Pakistan’s nuclear command and control.

New Delhi, India – August 12, 2025: A war of words has erupted between India and Pakistan following remarks made by Pakistan Army Chief General Asim Munir during his recent visit to the United States. In a strong rebuke, former member of India’s National Security Advisory Board, Tilak Devasher, called the nuclear threat “absurd” and warned that such statements are highly irresponsible.

Devasher pointed out that nuclear weapons are not meant for “war fighting,” but rather are a tool of deterrence. He criticized the General for “threatening to use these weapons and take down half of the world with him,” urging the international community, particularly the United States, to take notice. He also expressed concern over the US “encouraging the military leadership” rather than engaging with a democratically elected civilian government.

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on Monday echoed these sentiments in a powerful official statement. “Nuclear sabre-rattling is Pakistan’s stock-in-trade,” the spokesperson said, adding that “The international community can draw its own conclusions on the irresponsibility inherent in such remarks.” The MEA statement also raised a serious and well-held concern: “the integrity of nuclear command and control in a state where the military is hand-in-glove with terrorist groups.”

The MEA spokesperson expressed “regret” that these remarks were made from the “soil of a friendly third country” (referring to the US), and reaffirmed India’s resolve to not succumb to such threats. “India has already made it clear that it will not give in to nuclear blackmail and will continue to take all necessary steps to safeguard its national security,” the official statement concluded.