Pak 'modernising N-arsenal' to counter India

It sees India as an existential threat, says US defence intel report; New Delhi 'prioritising' military capabilities

- RISHABH SHARMA

Pakistan continues to regard India as an "existential threat," while India considers China its "primary adversary" and views Pakistan more as an "ancillary security problem," according to the US Defence Intelligence Agency's 2025 Worldwide Threat Assessment.

The report highlights Islamabad's continued efforts to advance its nuclear arsenal and related capabilities in order to offset India's conventional military superiority. It warns that Pakistan's modernisation of nuclear weapons remains a top priority, alongside ongoing counter-terrorism operations and frequent cross-border skirmishes with neighbours.

Despite losing more than 2,500 lives to militant violence in 2024, Pakistan is expected to continue investing heavily in military and nuclear modernisation. The report also underscores Pakistan's focus on securing its nuclear materials and command-and-control infrastructure.