Islamabad (TDI): Pakistan has warned India that any military aggression would be met with a forceful response, rejecting remarks by Indian Defense Minister Rajnath Singh as provocative and warning that escalating rhetoric could undermine regional peace and stability.
Speaking at the Foreign Office’s weekly press briefing on Friday, spokesperson Sajjad Haider Khan said Singh’s statements reflected New Delhi’s “hegemonic mindset” and raised concerns about the risk of further confrontation between the two nuclear-armed neighbours.
The spokesperson reaffirmed Islamabad’s commitment to defending the country’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, urging India to refrain from statements that could heighten tensions.
“Such reckless statements reflect India’s hegemonistic mindset and the risk it poses to regional peace and stability in South Asia,” Khan said.
His remarks followed Singh’s warning that any future terrorist attack originating from Pakistan would prompt a stronger Indian response.
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Khan said Pakistan viewed the Indian defense minister’s remarks as a threat of aggression and urged New Delhi to exercise restraint and act responsibly.
“Let there be no ambiguity, Pakistan remains fully prepared to safeguard its sovereignty and territorial integrity against any ill-advised aggression,” the spokesperson said, adding that Islamabad’s commitment to peace should not be mistaken for weakness.
The exchange comes against the backdrop of the military confrontation between Pakistan and India in May 2025, which followed an attack on tourists in Pahalgam, IIOJK, that killed 26 people.
India accused Pakistan of links to the attack, a charge Islamabad denied. Pakistan also called for a neutral investigation into the incident.
India subsequently launched strikes inside Pakistan, prompting retaliatory Pakistani military action. Both sides reported military losses during the confrontation, with Pakistan claiming it had shot down Indian fighter aircraft, including Rafale jets.
The fighting ended with a ceasefire announced on May 10, 2025, following US diplomatic intervention. Referring to the confrontation, Khan said Pakistan had demonstrated its military capability and resolve to defend its territory. He urged India to draw lessons from the previous conflict and avoid steps that could trigger another escalation.
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The latest exchange of statements highlights the continuing tensions between the two countries over cross-border terrorism allegations, military responses and regional security.
Both countries possess nuclear weapons, making the management of military and diplomatic tensions a significant concern for South Asia.
