New Delhi rejects COAS Munir’s “no space for war” remark as ‘nuclear sabre-rattling’ and a distraction from domestic issues. MEA vows to protect national security.

New Delhi: Pakistan’s Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Field Marshal Asim Munir, on Saturday issued a stark caution to India, asserting that there is “no space for war in a nuclearised environment” in South Asia.

Addressing a passing out parade at the Pakistan Military Academy (PMA) in Kakul, COAS Munir directed his remarks at the Indian military leadership, urging them to resolve core disputes between the two nations according to international norms.

Key highlights from COAS Munir’s address include:

• Nuclear Environment Warning: The COAS stated, “I advise and firmly caution India’s military leadership that there is no space for war in a nuclearised environment.” This comment reinforces Pakistan’s long-standing position regarding the inherent risks of escalation between the two nuclear-armed neighbours.
• Decisive Response to Provocation: Munir asserted that Pakistan “will never be intimidated not coerced by your rhetoric and will respond decisively to even a minor provocation without any qualms.”
• Reference to Recent Conflict: The Army Chief hailed what he termed as Pakistan’s “clear victory” during the “May conflict” with India, referring to a recent military confrontation. He claimed that the Pakistan Armed Forces successfully neutralised all threats, citing the downing of “advanced Rafales,” targeting of “multiple bases including S-400s,” and showcasing multi-domain warfare capabilities.
• Accusation of Indian Politicisation: Munir accused India of politicising terrorism for the “vested interests of the ruling regime,” indicating that New Delhi showed “eagerness to adjudge culpability” and an “aversion to neutral investigations.”

Context:

The remarks come amidst continued tension between India and Pakistan following the four-day military conflict in May and recent escalations. India has consistently maintained that Pakistan supports cross-border terrorism, an allegation Islamabad denies.

Munir’s caution about the nuclear environment is seen by security analysts as a reiteration of Pakistan’s ‘deterrence’ policy and a warning against any perceived conventional military misadventure by India.

The statement also follows earlier controversial remarks reportedly made by Field Marshal Munir during a visit to the United States some months ago, where he was quoted by Indian media as saying Pakistan would “take half the world down with us” if it were facing an existential threat. India’s Ministry of External Affairs had strongly condemned those earlier comments as “nuclear sabre-rattling” and “irresponsibility.”

The Indian government is expected to issue a formal response to the latest statements from the Pakistani Army Chief.