India-Pakistan Conflict Remained Conventional, No Nuclear Threat, Says Foreign Secretary

India’s conflict with Pakistan remained strictly conventional, with no indication of nuclear involvement, according to Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri. He made this statement during a briefing to a parliamentary committee on Monday, addressing concerns raised about the role of nuclear weapons during the recent four-day military stand-off.

No Nuclear Signals

Misri emphasized that the decision to establish a ceasefire was reached bilaterally between India and Pakistan, despite assertions from the United States about its involvement in halting the conflict. He reiterated that there was no nuclear signaling from either side throughout the tense period.

Chinese Weapons Irrelevant

The Foreign Secretary also addressed Pakistan’s use of Chinese-made weapons, stating that it was inconsequential. He asserted that India’s armed forces effectively countered Pakistani aggression, targeting their air bases in retaliation for attempts to strike Indian military installations and civilian areas.

Parliamentary Committee Discussion

The meeting of Parliament’s Standing Committee on External Affairs, chaired by Congress MP Shashi Tharoor, saw participation from various lawmakers, including Abhishek Banerjee (TMC), Rajeev Shukla and Deepender Hooda (Congress), Asaduddin Owaisi (AIMIM), Aparajita Sarangi and Arun Govil (BJP).

Clarifying Previous Reports

Misri’s statement comes after earlier reports claimed India targeted nuclear facilities at Kirana Hills. However, these reports were swiftly denied by the Indian armed forces. Director General of Air Operations, Air Marshal AK Bharti, confirmed during a press conference that India did not target any nuclear installation at Kirana Hills.

Importance of Misri’s Clarification

Misri’s assertion that there was no nuclear signaling is particularly significant given the repeated references to Pakistan’s nuclear arsenal by Pakistani officials during the height of tensions. Pakistan’s ambassador to Russia, Muhammad Khalid Jamali, had even stated that Pakistan would utilize its “full spectrum of power, both conventional and nuclear” if attacked by India in response to the Pahalgam terror attack.