Pakistan’s military leader, Field Marshal Gen. Asim Munir, firmly rejected suggestions that the country received “external support” during its recent military engagement with India, emphasizing that the conflict was “purely bilateral.” His comments followed remarks by Indian Deputy Army Chief Lt. Gen. Rahul Singh, who had alleged that China provided Pakistan with real-time intelligence during the four-day missile exchange in May.

Speaking to officers at the National Security and War Course at the National Defense University in Islamabad, Gen. Munir labeled such allegations as “irresponsible and factually incorrect,” according to a statement by the military's media wing. He added that these claims reflect a persistent unwillingness to recognize Pakistan’s own military capabilities and the institutional strength it has developed over years of strategic discipline.

Lt. Gen. Singh had claimed that India faced two adversaries during the clash—Pakistan and China—suggesting that while Pakistan was on the frontlines, China offered comprehensive support. The conflict ended through a U.S.-brokered ceasefire. Gen. Munir dismissed these claims, stating India’s failure to meet its military goals during “Operation Sindoor” led to a post-conflict narrative designed to deflect blame. He criticized India’s attempts to portray the conflict as part of broader geopolitical rivalry, calling it a tactic to maintain its role as a supposed regional security provider, despite rising concerns over its “hegemonic and extremist Hindutva ideology.”

He reiterated Pakistan’s commitment to diplomacy grounded in mutual respect and regional stability, and warned that any future aggression targeting Pakistan’s territory or strategic assets would be met with an immediate and decisive response. Any attacks on civilian areas, military sites, economic centers, or ports, he stated, would provoke a response that would be “deeply hurting and more than reciprocal.” India has not officially responded to Munir’s statements.