‘…to show them what we will do’, Pak Army Chief Asim Munir Targets Mukesh Ambani in Threat to India

In a provocative speech delivered on August 10, 2025, in Tampa, Florida, Pakistan’s Army Chief, Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, issued a chilling threat against India, specifically targeting industrialist Mukesh Ambani, Asia’s richest man and chairman of Reliance Industries. His remarks, laced with nuclear rhetoric and references to the Quran, have sparked outrage and raised concerns about Pakistan’s aggressive posturing as a nuclear-armed state. This blog delves into the context of Munir’s statements, the implications for India-Pakistan relations, and the broader geopolitical fallout.

The Context: A Tampa Speech Steeped in Hostility

During a black-tie dinner hosted by Pakistan’s honorary consul Adnan Asad, Munir addressed a largely Pakistani diaspora audience, where mobile devices were barred to maintain secrecy. According to The Print, which reconstructed the speech from attendees’ recollections, Munir referenced a social media post he authorized during a recent four-day India-Pakistan conflict (May 7–10, 2025). The post featured a verse from Surah Fil, a Quranic chapter describing divine retribution against an enemy force, alongside an image of Mukesh Ambani. Munir stated, “Ek tweet karwaya tha with Surah Fil and a picture of [the industrialist] Mukesh Ambani to show them what we will do the next time.”

This threat was part of a broader anti-India tirade, where Munir vowed to target India’s economic heart, starting “from India’s East, where they have located their most valuable resources,” before moving westwards. He also escalated tensions over the Indus Waters Treaty, warning that India’s decision to place it in abeyance could starve 250 million people. “We will wait for India to build a dam, and when it does so, phir 10 missile sey faarigh kar dengey [we will destroy it with 10 missiles],” he declared, adding, “The Indus river is not the Indians’ family property.”

Why Target Mukesh Ambani?

Mukesh Ambani, with a net worth of $108.3 billion in 2025, is a symbol of India’s economic prowess, leading Reliance Industries, which dominates sectors like oil, telecom, and retail. His Jamnagar refinery, valued at $120 billion and located just 407 km from the Pakistan border, is a strategic asset processing over 1.25 million barrels of crude daily, including Russian oil—a point of contention amid US tariff threats. Munir’s targeting of Ambani suggests a deliberate intent to strike at India’s economic core, with the refinery potentially in his crosshairs.

Intelligence sources speculate that Munir’s confidence may stem from Pakistan’s Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) ties with fugitive don Dawood Ibrahim, who reportedly holds an honorary role in the ISI and maintains a network in Mumbai and Gujarat. This connection raises fears of coordinated threats against key infrastructure like the Jamnagar refinery.

Nuclear Saber-Rattling and Geopolitical Implications

Munir’s speech included a brazen nuclear threat: “We are a nuclear nation. If we think we are going down, we’ll take half the world down.” This marks the first recorded instance of a Pakistani military leader issuing such a threat from US soil against a third country, drawing sharp condemnation from India’s Ministry of External Affairs, which called Pakistan an “irresponsible state with nuclear weapons.”

The remarks come amid heightened India-Pakistan tensions following the April 22, 2025, Pahalgam terror attack, which killed 26 people and prompted India’s Operation Sindoor—a precision strike on terror camps in Pakistan. The four-day conflict saw India suspend the Indus Waters Treaty and downgrade diplomatic ties, further escalating the rivalry. Munir’s rhetoric, including his claim that Kashmir is Pakistan’s “jugular vein” and not India’s internal matter, signals a return to aggressive posturing.

India’s Response and Security Concerns

India has responded firmly, with the Ministry of External Affairs labeling Munir’s nuclear threats as Pakistan’s “stock in trade.” The Indian security establishment is taking the threat to Ambani seriously, given his Z+ security cover and the 2021 plot by Dawood Ibrahim’s network to target his Mumbai residence, Antilia. An airforce base in Deesa, near the Jamnagar refinery, underscores the strategic importance of protecting such assets.

On social media, Indian users have expressed outrage and defiance. Posts on X, like one stating, “Paijaans... @reliancejio platform hi tume kai baar kharid lega,” reflect confidence in India’s economic strength, though such sentiments lack official verification. Others warn that targeting Indian industries could invite devastating retaliation, potentially “converting the entire Pakistan in ashes.”

The US Connection and Diplomatic Tensions

Munir’s second US visit in two months, including a private lunch with President Donald Trump and meetings with US military officials, suggests warming US-Pakistan ties. His remarks, however, have embarrassed the US, which has not issued a clarification, raising questions about its stance on Pakistan’s provocations. Munir’s analogy of India as a “shining Mercedes” and Pakistan as a “dump truck full of gravel” further mocked India’s economic progress while hinting at destructive intentions.

Broader Implications

Munir’s threats highlight the fragile state of India-Pakistan relations and the risks of nuclear escalation. Targeting Ambani, a private citizen, marks a new low in Pakistan’s rhetoric, signaling a shift toward economic warfare. The focus on the Indus Waters Treaty underscores ongoing disputes over shared resources, with Munir’s missile threats adding a dangerous dimension.

For India, this incident reinforces the need for heightened security around critical infrastructure and key figures like Ambani. It also fuels calls for self-reliance, as seen in recent boycotts of US brands amid tariff disputes. Globally, Munir’s remarks underscore the challenges of dealing with a nuclear-armed state prone to provocative rhetoric.

Final Thoughts

Asim Munir’s targeting of Mukesh Ambani and his nuclear threats represent a dangerous escalation in India-Pakistan tensions. By singling out a private industrialist and invoking religious imagery, Pakistan’s army chief has drawn global attention to his country’s aggressive stance. As India strengthens its defenses and diplomatic responses, the international community must address the risks posed by such rhetoric. For now, the focus remains on safeguarding India’s economic and strategic assets while navigating this volatile geopolitical landscape.