Daijiworld Media Network – Washington

Washington, May 25: Pakistan continues to perceive India as an existential threat and is actively modernising its military capabilities, including the development of battlefield nuclear weapons, according to the latest World Threat Assessment released by the US Defence Intelligence Agency.

“Pakistan regards India as an existential threat and will continue to pursue its military modernization effort, including the development of battlefield nuclear weapons, to offset India’s conventional military advantage,” the report stated.

The assessment highlights Pakistan’s focus on enhancing its nuclear arsenal while ensuring the security of its nuclear materials and command systems. “Pakistan almost certainly procures WMD-applicable goods from foreign suppliers and intermediaries,” the report noted.

It also emphasised the deepening military and economic ties between Pakistan and China. Pakistani and Chinese forces conduct regular joint exercises, with the most recent air exercise completed in November 2024. However, the report pointed out that growing security concerns have created strains in their relationship.

“Terrorist attacks targeting Chinese workers involved in China-Pakistan Economic Corridor projects have emerged as a point of friction,” it said, recalling the death of seven Chinese nationals in such attacks in 2024.

The report concluded that while Pakistan relies heavily on Chinese support for its military and nuclear ambitions, tensions remain over internal security risks threatening bilateral cooperation.