Amidst rising tensions in the region and despite India's continued push against cross-border terrorism, former US President Donald Trump hosted Pakistan's Army Chief, General Asim Munir, at the White House on Wednesday. This move has raised eyebrows and sparked debate, considering India's concerns about Pakistan's role in fostering terrorism.
The meeting, a working lunch held in the Cabinet Room, was confirmed by both US and Pakistani officials. This marks the first high-level engagement between Islamabad and Washington since Trump's return to the White House in January. The meeting comes after last month's military standoff between India and Pakistan, which brought the two South Asian rivals close to open conflict, following a deadly terror attack on tourists in Jammu and Kashmir's Pahalgam.
General Michael Kurilla, chief of US Central Command, recently described both India and Pakistan as “phenomenal partners” in counter-terrorism efforts, highlighting Pakistan's military's role in countering the Islamic State – Khorasan Province (IS-KP). He noted Pakistan's assistance in the arrest and extradition of Mohammad Sharifullah, the IS-K planner behind the 2021 Kabul airport bombing. This perspective underscores the complex balancing act the US faces in its relationship with both countries.
However, India has consistently voiced concerns about cross-border terrorism emanating from Pakistan. India's Foreign Secretary, Vikram Misri, stated that Trump had invited Prime Minister Narendra Modi to visit the US after the G7 Summit in Canada, but Modi declined due to prior commitments.
Notably, the meeting also occurs against the backdrop of escalating hostilities in the Middle East after Israeli strikes on Iran, adding another layer of complexity to the geopolitical landscape.
The US State Department has reaffirmed its support for India in its fight against terrorism. At the same time, the US acknowledges Pakistan's role in countering global terror threats. The US has sought to encourage the development of a more stable, democratic, and prosperous Pakistan that actively combats religious militancy.
During his visit, Field Marshal Munir addressed the Pakistani American community in Washington, urging India to abandon regional dominance and called for engagement “as a civilized nation.” He rejected Indian allegations linking Pakistan to the Pahalgam attack, calling them a pretext for cross-border strikes.
Some analysts suggest that Trump's meeting with General Munir signals a potential geopolitical realignment amid rising tensions between Iran and Israel. This could indicate a US strategy to cultivate an axis against Tehran, leveraging Pakistan's military influence. However, concerns remain about Pakistan's stance on Iran and its history of nuclear proliferation.
The US seeks a Pakistan that does not engage in destabilizing behavior in the region and is willing and able to address domestic threats posed by terrorism and violent extremism. The US continues to face threats from transnational terrorists and militants operating from within Pakistan.
The meeting between Trump and Munir has sparked speculation about a potential reset in US-Pakistan relations, with a focus on economic ties and a revival of the counterterrorism partnership. However, this approach could strain US-India relations, particularly given India's zero-tolerance stance against terrorism.
