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Hans India
19 hours ago
- Business
- Hans India
Pak Army Chief threatens to hit RIL's Jamnagar refinery
New Delhi: In his bellicose speech where he threatened to nuke India, Pakistan Army Chief Asim Munir put a target on Reliance Industries refinery - the world's largest single-site refining complex - at Jamnagar in Gujarat in case of any future military conflict with New Delhi, indicating for the first time the intent to hit India's economic assets, especially oil installations. Speaking at a formal dinner at Tampa, Florida, in the US, Munir referred to a social media post with a Quranic verse along with the picture of RIL chairman Mukesh Ambani to say he authorised it during the recent conflict with India "to show them what we will do the next time", media reports quoting those present at the closed-door event said. While this set off chatter about Munir threatening the richest Indian, with a net worth of over $115 billion heading the oil-to-telecom-to-retail conglomerate, narration in the verse from Surah Al-Fil (The Elephant), the 105th chapter of the Quran, can be interpreted as an aerial attack in modern warfare. According to open source information, the verse refers to the 'Year of the Elephant, approximately (570 CE), when Abraha, the ruler of Yemen, led an army with elephants to destroy the Kaaba. Allah then sent flocks of birds carrying stones of baked clay, which struck and destroyed Abraha's army. India continuously evaluates military and other threats to its sensitive economic installations, especially those located in border states or considered within range of Pakistan air attacks. In the past, there have been separate reports from intelligence agencies about threats to such installations, particularly the RIL refinery, from Pakistan-based terror groups. Munir chose Ambani to make his threat because the RIL chief symbolises India's economic power and potential. Though there are other oil installations and assets that may be considered vulnerable, the sheer size of the Jamnagar complex makes it the showstopper in India's refining sector with an annual capacity of processing 33 million tonnes of crude, or 12% of India's total refining capacity. It is a major exporter of refined petroleum products.


Hindustan Times
2 days ago
- Politics
- Hindustan Times
In US, Pakistani Army chief Asim Munir threatens to hit Reliance's Jamnagar refinery: Report
In a provocative and hostile speech laced with threats against India, Pakistan's army chief General Asim Munir reportedly hinted at targeting Reliance Industries Ltd's Jamnagar refinery in Gujarat, in the event of any future military confrontation. This marks the first time a Pakistani military leader has signalled an intent to strike India's vital oil infrastructure. Pakistani Army chief general Asim Munir reportedly made a nuclear threat in case his country faced an existential threat in a future war with India.(AFP file) Addressing a private dinner gathering in Tampa, Florida, Asim Munir referred to a social media post featuring RIL chairman Mukesh Ambani alongside a Quranic verse, claiming he personally authorised it during a recent standoff with India 'to show them what we will do next time,' The Times of India reported. independently couldn't verify the development. The verse, from Surah Al-Fil (The Elephant), is interpreted by many as an allegory for an aerial strike in the context of modern warfare. Historically, it refers to the 'Year of the Elephant' (around 570 CE), when an invading army led by Yemen's ruler Abraha was destroyed by divine intervention, flocks of birds dropping stones of baked clay, the report added. By naming Mukesh Ambani, Munir appeared to single out a figure who embodies India's economic strength and global standing. In the address to the Pakistani diaspora, Munir also reportedly made a nuclear threat in case his country faced an existential threat in a future war with India. In a strong response to Munir's nuclear threat from US soil, the ministry of external affairs said India has already made it clear that it will not give in to nuclear blackmail and that it will continue to take all steps necessary to safeguard national security. The MEA said Munir's remarks reinforced the well-held doubts about the integrity of nuclear command and control in Pakistan, where the military is "hand-in-glove" with terrorist groups. "Pakistan strongly rejects the immature remarks made by the Indian Ministry of External Affairs earlier today...," the Foreign Office said while responding to media queries regarding the MEA statement. The Pakistani Army chief on Sunday completed his second high-profile trip to the US in less than two months, during which he met senior US military and civilian leaders and also interacted with the Pakistani diaspora.


Time of India
2 days ago
- Business
- Time of India
Pakistan Army chief Asim Munir threatens to target RIL's Jamnagar refinery
NEW DELHI: In his bellicose speech where he threatened to nuke India, Pakistan army chief Asim Munir put a target on Reliance Industries Ltd's refinery - the world's largest single-site refining complex - at Jamnagar in Gujarat in case of any future military conflict with New Delhi, indicating for the first time the intent to hit India's economic assets, especially oil installations. Speaking at a formal dinner at Tampa, Florida, in the US, Munir referred to a social media post with a Quranic verse along with the picture of RIL chairman Mukesh Ambani to say he authorised it during the recent conflict with India "to show them what we will do the next time", media reports quoting those present at the closed-door event said. While this set off chatter about Munir threatening the richest Indian, with a net worth of over $115 billion heading the oil-to-telecom-to-retail conglomerate, narration in the verse from Surah Al-Fil (The Elephant), the 105th chapter of the Quran, can be interpreted as an aerial attack in modern warfare. According to open source information, the verse refers to the 'Year of the Elephant, approximately (570 CE), when Abraha, the ruler of Yemen, led an army with elephants to destroy the Kaaba. Allah then sent flocks of birds carrying stones of baked clay, which struck and destroyed Abraha's army. India continuously evaluates military and other threats to its sensitive economic installations, especially those located in border states or considered within range of Pakistan air attacks. In the past, there have been separate reports from intelligence agencies about threats to such installations, particularly the RIL refinery, from Pakistan-based terror groups. Munir chose Ambani to make his threat because the RIL chief symbolises India's economic power and potential. Though there are other oil installations and assets that may be considered vulnerable, the sheer size of the Jamnagar complex makes it the showstopper in India's refining sector with an annual capacity of processing 33 million tonnes of crude, or 12% of India's total refining capacity. It is a major exporter of refined petroleum products.


Time of India
2 days ago
- Business
- Time of India
Pak Army chief puts a target on RIL refinery in future conflicts with India
NEW DELHI: In his bellicose speech where he threatened to nuke India, Pakistan Army chief Asim Munir put a target on Reliance Industries Ltd's refinery — the world's largest single-site refining complex — at Jamnagar in Gujarat in any future military conflict with New Delhi, indicating for the first time the intent to hit India's economic assets. Speaking at a recent dinner at Tampa, Florida, in the US, Munir referred to a social media post with a Quranic verse along with the picture of RIL chairman Mukesh Ambani to say he authorised it during the recent conflict with India "to show them what we will do the next time,' media reports quoting those present at the closed-door event said. While this set off chatter about Munir threatening the richest Indian, with a net worth of over $115 billion, heading the oil-to-telecom-to-retail conglomerate, narration in the verse from Surah Al-Fil (The Elephant), the 105th chapter of the Quran, can be interpreted as alluding to an aerial attack in modern warfare. According to open resources, the verse refers to the 'Year of the Elephant, approximately (570 CE), when Abraha, the ruler of Yemen, led an army with elephants to destroy the Kaaba. Allah then sent flocks of birds carrying stones of baked clay, which struck and destroyed Abraha's army. India continuously evaluates the military and other threats to its sensitive economic installations, especially those located in border states or considered within range of Pakistan air attacks. In the past, there have been separate reports from intelligence agencies about threats to such installations, particularly the RIL refinery, from Pakistan-based terror groups. Munir chose Ambani to make his threat because the RIL chief symbolises India's economic power and potential, rather than personal enmity. Though there are other oil installations and assets considered vulnerable to Pakistani attack, the sheer size of the Jamnagar complex makes it the showstopper in India's refining sector. With an annual capacity of processing 33 million tonnes of crude, the refinery accounts for 12% of India's total refining capacity. The complex was commissioned in 1999 and expanded in 2008. It is a major exporter of refined petroleum products and petrochemicals, accounting for 8-9% of India's merchandise exports by value. Stay informed with the latest business news, updates on bank holidays , public holidays , current gold rate and silver price .


Indian Express
21-07-2025
- Politics
- Indian Express
‘A giant of Kerala Communist movement': Condolences pour in as VS Achuthanandan dies at 101
Founding member of the CPI(M) and former Kerala chief minister Velikkakathu Sankaran Achuthanandan died at a hospital in Thiruvananthapuram on Monday. Popularly known as Comrade VS or just VS, Achuthanandan was 101 years old. Political leaders across party lines reacted to his death and shared their condolences. Kerala Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar, in a post from the official X handle, wrote, 'Heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family of Shri VS Achuthanandan, veteran leader and former Chief Minister of Kerala. A true grassroot level leader who remained steadfast in his ideals. His contributions to society and the State's politics will always be remembered.' Heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family of Shri V.S. Achuthanandan, veteran leader and former Chief Minister of Kerala. A true grassroot level leader who remained steadfast in his ideals. His contributions to society and the State's politics will always be remembered. — Kerala Governor (@KeralaGovernor) July 21, 2025 Senior Congress leader and Thiruvananthapuram MP Shahi Tharoor also took to X and wrote, 'Mourning the passing of former Chief Minister VS Achuthanandan…A giant of Kerala's Communist movement, 'VS' rose from humble origins to become a hugely popular mass leader and Chief Minister 2006-11, where he earned the respect of all. He will be mourned by millions of his devoted followers. Om Shanti!' Tharoor also shared a 2008 photograph of Achuthanandan releasing the Congress MP's book 'The Elephant, the Tiger & the Cellphone' in Kerala. Mourning the passing of former Chief Minister V.S. Achuthanandan (here, releasing my book 'The Elephant, the Tiger & the Cellphone' in Kerala, 2008). A giant of Kerala's Communist movement, 'VS' rose from humble origins to become a hugely popular mass leader and Chief Minister… — Shashi Tharoor (@ShashiTharoor) July 21, 2025 K Sunderan, the former state president of Kerala BJP said Achuthanandan's death 'marks the end of an era in Kerala politics'. He added, 'His commitment to public life and fearless stance on many issues earned him respect across party lines.' Kavitha Kalvakuntla, BRS MLC of Kamareddy and Nizamabad, Telangana said, 'His (Achuthanandan's) unwavering commitment to public service will be remembered forever.' She added, 'Saddened by the demise of former Kerala Chief Minister and veteran Communist leader VS Achuthanandan garu… My heartfelt condolences to his family and followers.'