Pakistan’s Army chief General Asim Munir has, for the first time, hinted at attacking India’s vital oil infrastructure if a military clash occurs in the future. His remarks reportedly included a reference to Reliance Industries Ltd’s (RIL) Jamnagar refinery in Gujarat, one of the world’s largest refining complexes.

First Open Signal to Hit India’s Oil Hub

Speaking at a private dinner in Tampa, Florida, Munir referred to a social media post showing RIL chairman Mukesh Ambani alongside a Quranic verse. He claimed he personally approved the post during a recent standoff with India “to show them what we will do next time,” The Times of India reported.

The verse, from Surah Al-Fil (The Elephant), is widely seen as an allegory for an aerial strike in modern warfare. Historically, it recalls the ‘Year of the Elephant’ (around 570 CE), when an invading army led by Yemen’s ruler Abraha was destroyed by divine intervention — flocks of birds dropping stones of baked clay.

By naming Mukesh Ambani, Munir appeared to target a figure symbolising India’s economic power and global reach.

Nuclear Warning from US Soil

During the same address to the Pakistani diaspora, Munir also issued a nuclear threat. He warned that if Pakistan faces an existential crisis in a future war with India, it could resort to nuclear weapons.

India’s Sharp Response

India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) dismissed the warning, stating that the country will never give in to nuclear blackmail. “India will continue to take all steps necessary to safeguard national security,” the MEA said.

The ministry added that Munir’s remarks only strengthen doubts over Pakistan’s nuclear command and control, where the military is “hand-in-glove” with terrorist groups.

Pakistan’s Rebuttal

Pakistan’s Foreign Office rejected the MEA’s statement. “Pakistan strongly rejects the immature remarks made by the Indian Ministry of External Affairs earlier today...,” it said while answering media queries.

A Second High-Profile US Visit in Two Months

Munir’s comments came at the end of his second major trip to the US in less than two months. During the visit, he met senior US military and civilian leaders and addressed members of the Pakistani diaspora.