'Primary adversary, ancillary problem': 5 things US intel report says about India's security threat from China, Pak

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26-05-2025

The US intel report has outlined that Pakistan continues to see India as a major threat and is upgrading its military and nuclear capabilities with help from China. The report also says that India's growing defence focus with the 'Made in India' initiative. Here are five key takeaways from the report read more
Pakistani military trucks carry the long range nuclear-capable surface-to-surface 'Ghauri' ballistic missile during the National Day parade in Islamabad, Pakistan, March 23, 2005. File Image/Reuters
The US Defence Intelligence Agency (DIA), in its 'World Threat Assessment' report report, said Pakistan sees India as a serious threat and will continue efforts to modernise its military, including the development of tactical nuclear weapons, to counter India's stronger conventional forces.
The DIA's World Threat Assessment report mentions India's Operation Sindoor against terror groups in Pakistan and the resulting rise in tensions. It adds that Prime Minister Modi's defence priorities are likely to focus on demonstrating global leadership, countering China, and enhancing India's military capabilities. India views China as its primary threat, while seeing Pakistan as a lesser security concern, despite recent cross-border clashes.
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Pakistan is upgrading its nuclear weapons with assistance from China, which provides both military and economic support, while continuing to consider India its main threat, the report notes.
It adds that Pakistan's military is expected to focus on border tensions—particularly with India—and will continue to modernise its nuclear arsenal over the coming year.
'Pakistan is modernising its nuclear arsenal and maintaining the security of its nuclear materials and nuclear command and control. Pakistan almost certainly procures WMD-applicable goods from foreign suppliers and intermediaries,' the report states.
India is also strengthening defence ties with countries in the Indian Ocean region to counter China's growing influence and to bolster its global standing, according to the intelligence report. This effort includes joint military exercises, training programmes, arms sales, and intelligence sharing with regional partners.
The report says India and China have agreed to withdraw troops from two remaining friction points in eastern Ladakh, easing tensions that have persisted since 2020. However, the long-standing border dispute remains unresolved.
India is further pushing its 'Made in India' initiative to build a stronger domestic defence industry, reduce reliance on foreign suppliers, and modernise its military. Recent moves include tests of nuclear-capable Agni missiles and the commissioning of its second nuclear-powered submarine.
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This is a developing story.