The Pakistan Defence Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif has issued stark warnings regarding the risk of war with India, calling it a "clear and present danger." His remarks reflect escalating tensions between the two nuclear-armed neighbours following a turbulent conflict earlier in May 2025.

Asif indicated that the chances of another war with India are real and unavoidable, presenting a continuation of aggressive rhetoric from Pakistani leadership aimed at India. He suggested that the ongoing conflict between India and Pakistan has not ended and insisted Pakistan is prepared for a stronger response if India initiates aggression again.

Asif went further to undermine India's unity, claiming historically India has only been a unified state for a short period, likely trying to question Indian national cohesion amid the rising tensions. He also claimed Pakistan has more allies on its side for support and boldly predicted a "bigger victory than before" should war break out anew.

He taunted that India would be "buried under the wreckage of its own planes," responding to recent comments from the Indian Army Chief and other Indian political leaders.

His statement followed Indian Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi’s stern warning to Pakistan to stop backing terrorism and the indication India would show no restraint in response to provocations like those witnessed during the May 2025 conflict.

The brief May 2025 hostilities between India and Pakistan involved missile, drone, and artillery strikes, resulting in casualties and infrastructure damage predominantly affecting Pakistan. This led to a tense ceasefire brokered by U.S. mediation. Asif’s comments come amidst both countries rattling sabres again as a means to consolidate domestic support and project strength externally.

India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has condemned Pakistan’s escalating war rhetoric as reckless and war-mongering, warning that such provocative statements could lead to painful consequences.

The MEA cited a pattern in Pakistan’s leadership of whipping up anti-India rhetoric to divert attention from internal failures. This warning by India follows the Pakistan Army Chief's public nuclear threats, where he vowed to take "half the world down with us" if faced with existential threats. The Indian government reiterated that it will take all necessary steps to safeguard national security and will not yield to nuclear blackmail.

Domestically, Pakistan is facing unrest in regions such as Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK), which has seen protests and violence recently, adding to Islamabad’s internal pressures. Analysts suggest Pakistan’s leadership revives tensions with India to deflect from its domestic instability and corruption issues. Observers note the repeated pattern of Pakistan using antagonistic rhetoric against India whenever under domestic or international pressure.

In sum, the situation remains tense with verbal threats escalating between the two countries. Pakistan’s Defence Minister Khawaja Asif’s recent warnings mark the latest in a series of provocative statements amid enduring hostility following the May 2025 conflict. The international community remains concerned about the risk of renewed hostilities between the nuclear neighbours that could have severe regional consequences.

IDN (With Agency Inputs)