Kashmir, Terror, and Identity: Pakistan Army Chief’s Remarks Spark Sharp Indian Rebuttal

In a series of provocative statements, Pakistan Army Chief General Asim Munir reignited tensions with India by declaring that Kashmir remains Pakistan's "jugular vein" and by reinforcing the controversial two-nation theory that led to the 1947 Partition. Addressing an audience of overseas Pakistanis, Munir urged them to embrace Pakistan's distinct identity and cultural ideology, contrasting it sharply with that of India. He insisted that the foundation of Pakistan lay in the belief that Muslims and Hindus are fundamentally different in every aspect of life—customs, traditions, religion, and ambitions.

The remarks drew swift condemnation from New Delhi. India's Ministry of External Affairs firmly responded, reiterating that Jammu and Kashmir is an integral part of India and dismissing Pakistan's claim to the territory. Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal stated that the only connection Pakistan has with Kashmir is the need to vacate the areas it has illegally occupied. In a pointed rebuke of Munir's metaphor, Jaiswal remarked, “How can anything foreign be in a jugular vein?”

Munir also addressed the perception that Pakistan is a hub for terrorism, denying that militant activity could derail the nation's destiny or deter investment. He boasted that even India’s powerful military could not coerce Pakistan, asserting confidence in the country’s armed forces. Additionally, he vowed a harsh crackdown on separatist movements in Balochistan, calling the province Pakistan’s “pride.”

India also took issue with Pakistan’s attempt to downplay the citizenship status of Tahawwur Rana, a key accused in the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks. Pakistan claimed Rana had not renewed his Pakistani-origin documents and was a Canadian citizen. India, however, emphasized that Pakistan continues to shelter the masterminds of the attacks and must be held accountable. Jaiswal said Pakistan’s reputation as the “epicentre of global terrorism” remains unchanged and called the extradition of Rana a reminder of Islamabad’s obligations to bring all perpetrators to justice.

Rana, recently extradited to India from the U.S., is being interrogated by the National Investigation Agency (NIA) in connection with the attacks that left 166 people dead in Mumbai. His arrest has renewed calls for Pakistan to take action against those it continues to protect.

General Munir’s comments underscore Islamabad's hardline stance on Kashmir and signal further strain in Indo-Pak relations.