NEW DELHI: In a provocative statement, Pakistan Army chief General Asim Munir has threatened to target Reliance Industries Ltd’s (RIL) Jamnagar refinery — the world’s largest single-site refining complex — in the event of a future military conflict with India.
Speaking at a formal dinner in Tampa, Florida, Munir recalled authorising a social media post during a recent Indo-Pak conflict that featured RIL chairman Mukesh Ambani’s photo alongside a Quranic verse. He claimed the post was intended to “show them what we will do next time.” The verse from Surah Al-Fil (The Elephant) is often interpreted as a metaphor for an aerial strike in modern warfare.
The Jamnagar refinery, located in Gujarat, processes 33 million tonnes of crude annually — about 12% of India’s refining capacity — and is a key exporter of petroleum products. Intelligence agencies have previously flagged the facility as a potential target for Pakistan-based terror groups.
Munir’s remarks are seen as a direct signal of intent to hit India’s economic assets, particularly oil infrastructure. By naming Ambani, whose $115 billion empire spans oil, telecom, and retail, Munir sought to symbolise India’s economic might.
India regularly reviews security measures for strategic assets, especially those in border states or within range of potential Pakistani air strikes.
