Pakistan’s Defence Minister Khawaja Asif has sparked fresh diplomatic tensions by declaring that the “chances of war with India are very real,” while invoking religious rhetoric in response to recent warnings from India’s top security establishment. His remarks, delivered via social media and later echoed in televised interviews on October 6, 2025, have drawn sharp criticism from Indian officials and international observers, who view the statements as inflammatory and destabilising.
The escalation follows a series of strong warnings issued by Indian Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, who cautioned Islamabad against continuing its support for cross-border terrorism. General Dwivedi, referencing Operation Sindoor conducted in May 2025, stated that India would not show restraint in future conflicts and that Pakistan risked being “erased from the world map” if it persisted in sponsoring terror activities.
Timeline of Escalation – India-Pakistan War Rhetoric
| Date | Statement/Event | Speaker/Entity | Impact on Bilateral Relations |
|---|---|---|---|
| May 7–10, 2025 | Operation Sindoor: Indian strikes on PoK | Indian Armed Forces | Four-day military exchange |
| Oct 3, 2025 | Gen Dwivedi warns Pakistan of consequences | Indian Army Chief | “No restraint next time” |
| Oct 4, 2025 | Rajnath Singh echoes warning | Defence Minister | “Pakistan must stop terror support” |
| Oct 6, 2025 | Khawaja Asif responds with religious rhetoric | Pakistan Defence Minister | “India will be buried under wreckage” |
Asif’s response, which included references to divine intervention and martyrdom, was widely interpreted as an attempt to rally domestic support amid growing pressure on Pakistan’s interim government. He claimed that India’s military and political leadership was attempting to “restore lost credibility” after suffering a “decisive defeat” during Operation Sindoor, referring to unverified claims that Pakistan shot down six Indian fighter jets—a claim India has categorically denied.
Khawaja Asif’s Key Statements – October 2025
| Statement Context | Quote (Verbatim) | Interpretation |
|---|---|---|
| On Indian military warnings | “India will be buried under the wreckage of its warplanes.” | Threat of retaliation |
| On Operation Sindoor | “Score of 0-6 will be far better next time, God willing.” | Religious invocation, unverified claims |
| On Indian leadership | “Failed attempt to restore tarnished reputation.” | Political provocation |
Indian officials have dismissed Asif’s remarks as “reckless and irresponsible,” with Ministry of External Affairs sources stating that Pakistan’s leadership is resorting to diversionary tactics to deflect attention from internal instability and economic distress. The invocation of religious themes in a defence context has also raised concerns about the militarisation of faith and its implications for regional peace.
India’s Response – Strategic and Diplomatic Reactions
| Entity/Leader | Response Summary | Tone/Position |
|---|---|---|
| Gen Upendra Dwivedi | “India fully prepared, no restraint next time.” | Assertive, strategic warning |
| Rajnath Singh | “Pakistan must stop sponsoring terrorism.” | Diplomatic caution |
| MEA (India) | “Pakistan’s rhetoric is diversionary.” | Dismissive, calls for restraint |
| Air Chief Marshal A.P. Singh | “Pakistan’s claims are fanciful stories.” | Rebuttal of jet loss narrative |
Operation Sindoor, launched in response to the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack, involved precision strikes on terror infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan Occupied Kashmir. According to Indian intelligence reports, the operation damaged multiple Pakistani military assets, including radars, command centres, and aircraft hangars. Pakistan’s claim of shooting down six Indian jets has not been substantiated by any independent verification.
Operation Sindoor – Tactical Impact Assessment
| Target Type | Number Damaged/Destroyed | Location | Strategic Value |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fighter Jets | 5 (Pakistani) | Multiple airbases | Air superiority disrupted |
| Radars | 4 | Border installations | Surveillance crippled |
| Command Centres | 2 | PoK region | Tactical coordination hit |
| Hangars | 3 | Karachi, Lahore | Aircraft storage compromised |
The war of words has also triggered concern among global diplomatic circles, with calls for restraint and dialogue. The United Nations and European Union have urged both nations to avoid escalation and focus on counter-terror cooperation and regional stability.
Social media platforms have seen a surge in reactions to Asif’s statements, with hashtags like #KhawajaAsif, #IndiaPakistanTensions, and #OperationSindoor trending across Twitter/X, Facebook, and YouTube. While Pakistani users largely supported Asif’s rhetoric, Indian users condemned the remarks and called for a firm response.
Public Sentiment – Social Media Buzz on War Rhetoric
| Platform | Engagement Level | Sentiment (%) | Top Hashtags |
|---|---|---|---|
| Twitter/X | 1.6M mentions | 72% critical of Pakistan | #KhawajaAsif #IndiaPakistanTensions |
| 1.3M interactions | 68% concerned | #OperationSindoor #WarRhetoric | |
| YouTube | 1.1M views | 75% analytical | #IndiaDefence #PakistanResponse |
| 950K views | 80% diplomatic | #SouthAsiaSecurity #IndiaPakistanCrisis |
Security analysts believe that Asif’s remarks are aimed at domestic audiences ahead of Pakistan’s general elections, expected in early 2026. With the interim government facing criticism over inflation, IMF negotiations, and internal unrest, the rhetoric may be a strategic distraction.
Pakistan’s Political Landscape – October 2025
| Factor | Status/Trend | Impact on Rhetoric |
|---|---|---|
| Interim Government | Weak mandate | Seeking nationalist support |
| Economic Crisis | High inflation, IMF talks | Public discontent |
| Election Timeline | Early 2026 | Political posturing |
| Military Influence | High | Defence-led narratives |
In conclusion, Pakistan Defence Minister Khawaja Asif’s warning of a “very real” war with India and his use of religious rhetoric have escalated tensions between the two nuclear-armed neighbours. As India reiterates its preparedness and global actors call for restraint, the situation underscores the fragile balance of diplomacy, deterrence, and domestic politics in South Asia.
Disclaimer: This article is based on publicly available political statements, verified defence reports, and expert commentary. It does not constitute diplomatic advice or endorsement. Readers are advised to follow updates from official government portals and international agencies for accurate information.
