Khawaja Asif threatens 'swift response' after Rajnath's 'misadventure' warning to Pak

Pakistan's Defence Minister Khawaja Asif, in response to Rajnath Singh’s warning to Islamabad against any “misadventure” amid the West Asia conflict, has threatened a “swift and calibrated” response if New Delhi engages in any military aggression.

Nuclear deterrence stressed

However, Asif, in a post on X, wherein he tagged Singh, seemed to have ruled out the possibility of all-out war between the two countries, pointing out that both are nuclear-armed nations.

Also Read: 'Any Pak misadventure will be met with unprecedented and decisive action': Rajnath

"Let me remind Rajnath Singh that the illusion of space for war between two nuclear states is inconceivable and has drastic consequences,” stated Asif, claiming that India's rhetoric reflects "visible strategic anxiety as the anniversary of the Pahalgam".

"Let there be no ambiguity: Pakistan remains committed to peace and regional stability, but its resolve to defend sovereignty is absolute, its preparedness complete, and its response will be swift, calibrated, and decisive,” he added.

Rajnath’s warning to Pakistan

The remarks come a day after Rajnath Singh on Thursday cautioned Pakistan against any provocation, saying New Delhi would respond with force that would be both “unprecedented and decisive.”

Also Read: Pakistan's Khawaja Asif says ‘all-out war with India’ cannot be ruled out

Speaking at a military event in Thiruvananthapuram, Singh suggested that India remains on alert for any escalation. “Our neighbour, in the current situation, can commit any misadventure. If it does so, India's action will be unprecedented and decisive,” he said, framing the situation as volatile but controlled.

Operation Sindoor cited

He pointed to what he described as the swift execution of Operation Sindoor, claiming Indian forces had, within minutes, forced Pakistan into retreat after the Pahalgam attack. “This operation has not been closed yet,” Singh added, signalling that further action remains on the table if cross-border activity continues.

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Turning inward, Singh criticised the Congress-led UPA government’s past handling of terrorism, saying earlier responses lacked force and relied on “thick dossiers” that produced little consequence. In contrast, he credited the current administration under Narendra Modi with pursuing a harder line, citing strikes after Uri and Pulwama alongside Operation Sindoor.

On the West Asia conflict, Singh downplayed concerns over fuel shortages, saying supplies remain stable and that India is prepared for any disruption while continuing to safeguard its citizens in the region.