Pakistan Army Chief Asim Munir’s Threat to Ambani: A Calculated Move To Impress Trump?
New Delhi: Pakistan Army chief, Field Marshal Asim Munir, reportedly issued a direct threat against one of India’s most influential business magnates, Mukesh Ambani, while on American soil. The incident allegedly occurred during a black-tie event in the United States and is being interpreted by some observers as a strategic move aimed at currying favour with US President Donald Trump.
According to media reports, at a private address held behind closed doors in Tampa, Munir is said to have threatened to target Mukesh Ambani’s Jamnagar refinery. He reportedly referenced a social media post that paired Ambani’s photograph with a Quranic verse during recent escalations, saying: “I authorised that post to show them what we will do the next time.”
For those unfamiliar with its relevance, Reliance Industries, founded and chaired by Ambani, forms a key pillar of the Indian economy, spanning sectors from energy to infrastructure. The timing of the alleged threat is seen as particularly significant.
With Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi standing firm against US trade demands, and Reliance playing a central role in refining Russian crude oil, the threat is being perceived by some as more than a personal attack; it is, arguably, an assault on India’s economic sovereignty.
The alleged link to Donald Trump arises from a belief among analysts that his signature trade war tactics, especially tariffs against China, have fallen short of achieving their intended outcomes. US Vice President JD Vance acknowledged the complexities of the US-China relationship during an appearance on Fox News’ Sunday Morning Futures, as per the reports.
Vance stated that tariffs on China remain “on the table”, but that no final decision has been made. “The president said he’s thinking about it, but he hasn’t made any firm decisions,” he said. “The China issue is a little bit more complicated because our relationship affects a lot of other things that have nothing to do with the Russian situation,” he added.
The United States remains heavily dependent on Chinese imports, including for critical defence components. Moreover, China holds over USD 750 billion in US treasury bonds, giving it significant leverage. With China proving to be a challenging target, some believe Washington has turned its gaze towards India.
The threat to Ambani is being characterised as the boldest move yet in a broader campaign to pressure India. Some argue that even the US’s designation of the Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) as a terrorist organisation is part of the same geopolitical strategy: to provoke India while offering Pakistan incentives such as access to Balochistan’s vast mineral wealth.
This narrative has gained further traction after the US State Department, in a joint statement, “applauded Pakistan’s continued successes in containing terrorist entities that pose a threat to the peace and security of the region and the world.” The statement is being interpreted by some as a clear signal of Washington’s intent to deepen ties with Islamabad.
Ultimately, Field Marshal Munir’s alleged threat is viewed as a calculated demonstration of loyalty to President Trump. It is being seen not simply as targeting one man, but as part of a larger attempt to weaponise India’s strategic position for domestic political leverage in the US.
However, with India’s leadership remaining resolute and its economy resilient, this tactic, much like the US approach to China, may prove to be far more complex than anticipated. These developments reflect a shift in international diplomacy, where traditional alliances are tested and rivalries are leveraged for broader geopolitical ends.
