India has raised concerns over Pakistan’s history of covert nuclear proliferation, describing it as a significant threat to global security. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) reiterated this position on Thursday, aligning its remarks with concerns highlighted in a recent US intelligence assessment.
Speaking at a regular press briefing, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal referred to comments made by US Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard and stated that Pakistan’s past record continues to draw international scrutiny. He emphasized that Pakistan’s involvement in clandestine nuclear activities reflects the kind of risk it poses globally, noting that such patterns remain a matter of concern for the international community.
These remarks follow the release of the 2026 Annual Threat Assessment (ATA) by the Office of the Director of National Intelligence (ODNI) on March 18. The report categorised Pakistan, alongside countries such as Russia and China, as posing notable nuclear-related challenges to the United States.
While presenting the report before the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence, Tulsi Gabbard pointed to Pakistan’s expanding military capabilities and its evolving strategic role in the region. The assessment highlighted that Pakistan is actively working on advanced missile delivery systems and raised concerns that its long-range ballistic missile programme could potentially extend to intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs), which would increase its strike capability significantly.
The report also underlined that, despite the strength of the United States’ nuclear deterrence, several countries—including Pakistan—are continuing to develop both traditional and advanced missile systems capable of carrying nuclear or conventional payloads, thereby expanding their reach.
In addition to nuclear concerns, the assessment identified Pakistan as an ongoing area of focus in the fight against global terrorism. It noted that the threat landscape remains complex, with extremist groups continuing to adapt and attempt to expand their influence, even though organisations like al-Qaeda and ISIS are less powerful than in previous years.
Particular attention was drawn to ISIS-K (Islamic State Khorasan Province), which the report described as a major external threat in South Asia. According to the assessment, such groups are taking advantage of poorly governed or monitored regions to recruit members and plan operations.
The report further mentioned that joint efforts by the US and its international partners in countries including Iraq, Pakistan, Somalia, and Syria during 2025 led to the elimination of several key terrorist leaders, thereby weakening the operational strength of both al-Qaeda and ISIS.
