A top US General has emphasized the necessity of strong relations with both Pakistan and India, asserting that the United States needs both countries and that the relationship should not be an either/or situation. General Michael Kurilla, Commander of the United States Central Command (CENTCOM), has lauded Pakistan as a "phenomenal partner in the counterterrorism world," highlighting Islamabad's crucial role in combating ISIS-Khorasan (ISIS-K).

General Kurilla's statement comes at a time when India has been actively trying to persuade the international community that Pakistan is a hub of terrorist activity, especially after the recent Pahalgam terror attack. The Modi government has been lobbying governments and civil society groups worldwide to condemn Pakistan and push for its diplomatic isolation.

Testifying before the Senate Armed Services Committee on June 10, 2025, General Kurilla argued that the US strategy in South Asia should not be limited by zero-sum thinking. He stated, "We have to have a relationship with Pakistan and with India. I do not believe it is a binary switch that we can't have one with Pakistan if we have a relationship with India. We should look at the merits of the relationship for the positives that it has."

He specifically praised Pakistan's ongoing efforts to hunt down ISIS-K militants. He noted that through the "phenomenal partnership" with Pakistan, dozens of ISIS-K fighters have been killed, and at least five high-value individuals have been captured. Among those captured was Mohammad Sharifullah, also known as Jafar, a key suspect in the 2021 Abbey Gate bombing in Kabul. General Kurilla highlighted that Pakistan's Chief of Army Staff, Asim Munir, personally contacted him to offer Sharifullah's extradition to the United States.

General Kurilla, who is set to retire this summer, highlighted the role of the Pakistani military and army chief Asim Munir, in combating ISIS-Khorasan. He said Islamabad was going after the ISIS-Khorasan with “limited intelligence” that the US is providing. He lauded Islamabad for extraditing Mohammad Sharifullah aka Jafar, an ISIS-K member, to America. In March, the US Justice Department charged Sharifullah for his role in the August 2021 suicide bombing at Afghanistan’s Kabul international airport. The bombing victims included 13 American military personnel.

These remarks by General Kurilla underscore the complex dynamics of US foreign policy in South Asia, where it seeks to balance its relationships with both India and Pakistan. While India is a key strategic partner, particularly in the Indo-Pacific region, Pakistan remains a crucial ally in counterterrorism efforts, particularly concerning threats emanating from Afghanistan.

The General's assessment is unlikely to be welcomed in New Delhi, given India's persistent efforts to isolate Pakistan diplomatically. However, it reflects a pragmatic understanding within the US military establishment of Pakistan's continued importance in regional security.