Pakistan’s Chief of Army Staff, Field Marshal Asim Munir, warned that the country would consider using nuclear weapons in any future existential conflict with India, according to comments he made at a private black-tie dinner in Tampa, Florida, during a recent visit to the United States. Local Indian media and attendees quoted Munir as saying Pakistan would be willing to “take half the world down” if it believed defeat was imminent, the first time such a threat has reportedly been issued on U.S. soil against a third country. New Delhi formally protested the remarks on 11 August. India’s Ministry of External Affairs called the comments “nuclear sabre-rattling” and said they highlighted Pakistan’s “irresponsibility” as a nuclear-armed state. Senior lawmakers from both the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party and the opposition Congress party echoed the government’s view, while praising India’s armed forces’ readiness to respond to any provocation. The exchange adds to already elevated regional tensions. Earlier in the day, Indian Army Chief Gen. Upendra Dwivedi said the country faces a “2.5-front” security environment involving China, Pakistan and internal threats, underscoring the need for strategic recalibration. Washington has not publicly commented on Munir’s remarks, but diplomats noted the episode is likely to intensify scrutiny of Pakistan’s nuclear doctrine and command-and-control practices.