Amidst ongoing tensions between India and Pakistan, US General Michael Kurilla, the head of U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM), has voiced strong support for Pakistan's role in counterterrorism efforts. This endorsement, made during a House Armed Services Committee hearing on Tuesday, comes at a delicate time, with India actively highlighting Pakistan's alleged support for cross-border terrorism.

General Kurilla described Pakistan as a "phenomenal partner" in the fight against terrorism, specifically recognizing the country's military and Army Chief Asim Munir's contributions to combating ISIS-Khorasan (ISIS-K). He emphasized the importance of the United States maintaining relationships with both India and Pakistan, rejecting the notion that Washington must choose between the two. "We have to have a relationship with Pakistan and with India," Kurilla stated, adding, "I do not believe it is a binary switch that we can't have one with Pakistan if we have a relationship with India." He suggested evaluating the relationship based on its merits and the positive aspects it brings.

Kurilla highlighted Pakistan's willingness to cooperate with the U.S. in counterterrorism, citing an instance where Army Chief Munir contacted him directly to offer the extradition of a captured terrorist to the U.S. He also noted that Pakistan, even with limited intelligence support from the U.S., has been actively pursuing ISIS-K operatives and achieving tangible results.

These remarks are unlikely to be well-received in New Delhi, particularly in the wake of the Pahalgam terror attack in April. Indian officials, including External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, have consistently asserted that victims and perpetrators of terrorism cannot be treated equally. India has also expressed displeasure with some countries for what it perceives as the "hyphenation" of India and Pakistan in discussions of regional security.

General Kurilla acknowledged that ISIS-K remains a significant threat, actively seeking to carry out external attacks, including against the U.S. homeland. He pointed out that the group's fighters are often located in the border region between Afghanistan and Pakistan. He also stated that Pakistan has experienced over a thousand terrorist attacks since the beginning of 2024, resulting in approximately 700 casualties among security forces and civilians, including 200 women.

The General's statements underscore a complex dynamic in the region. While India is a crucial strategic partner for the U.S., particularly in the Indo-Pacific, Pakistan remains a valuable ally in counterterrorism efforts, especially concerning threats emanating from Afghanistan and Central Asia. CENTCOM, which Kurilla leads, has operational oversight over Pakistan and Afghanistan, whereas India falls under the U.S. Indo-Pacific Command.

Kurilla's praise for Pakistan comes shortly after another terrorist, identified as a Pakistani citizen, was extradited to the U.S. for plotting an attack against a Jewish center in New York. This extradition highlights Pakistan's willingness to cooperate with the U.S. on counterterrorism matters, even as tensions persist between India and Pakistan.