British political commentator and author David Vance has strongly condemned recent remarks by Pakistan Army chief General Asim Munir, calling his nuclear threats against India “absolutely scandalous and disgraceful.”
In an interview with ANI on Monday, Vance said Munir’s statements were “reckless” and “insane,” especially when referring to the possibility of attacking India and engaging in a nuclear exchange. He praised India’s reaction to the comments, saying it was “measured and coherent” compared to the inflammatory nature of Munir’s words.
Vance suggested that the United States should take a tougher stance against Pakistan for such rhetoric. “I would like to see the US break off diplomatic relations with Pakistan until it starts to behave like a civilised country, which it hasn’t in a long time,” he said.
He also criticised the US government’s relatively mild response, pointing out that the comments were made on American soil. “Washington should have reacted much stronger than it did. The fact that it was said on US soil seems to be a calculated insult by the Pakistani Army chief,” he added.
Munir reportedly made these remarks during a visit to Florida, saying that Pakistan could use nuclear weapons to “take down India and half the world” if the country faced an existential threat.
India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) quickly issued a statement condemning the comments. The MEA spokesperson said nuclear threats from Pakistan were “nothing new” and described such statements as “nuclear sabre-rattling,” a tactic the country has often used.
“The international community can draw its own conclusions on the irresponsibility inherent in such remarks, which also reinforce doubts about the integrity of nuclear command and control in a state where the military works closely with terrorist groups,” the spokesperson said.
The MEA also criticised the choice of location for the remarks, saying, “It is regrettable that these remarks should have been made from the soil of a friendly third country.”
India reaffirmed that it would not give in to “nuclear blackmail” and would continue to take all necessary steps to protect its national security. The MEA stressed that such threats only highlight the instability and dangerous mindset within Pakistan’s leadership.
Vance, echoing this sentiment, expressed frustration at the tolerance shown by some world leaders towards Pakistan’s behaviour. “I don’t understand why America or President Trump tolerates this. Pakistan seems to think they can say whatever they want on such sensitive issues,” he said.
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The controversy adds another layer of tension to the already strained relationship between India and Pakistan, which have fought multiple wars and have long-standing disputes over issues such as Kashmir. Nuclear threats, experts warn, can further destabilise the region and increase the risk of miscalculation or escalation.
International observers are now watching closely to see if the US, where Munir made the remarks, will take any further diplomatic action. Meanwhile, India has made its position clear: it will respond to threats with strength and will not be swayed by dangerous rhetoric.
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