US-Pakistan Ties Improve as Trump Hosts Army Chief, Signs Trade Deal
WASHINGTON – Relations between the United States and Pakistan have seen a notable thaw under President Donald Trump, following years of Washington’s tilt toward India as a counterweight to China’s influence in Asia.
Ties between Washington and New Delhi, however, have faced strains. India has raised concerns over U.S. visa restrictions, Trump’s high tariff policies on Indian goods, and his repeated claims of brokering a ceasefire between India and Pakistan in May after the neighbors clashed at their border.
On July 31, Washington and Islamabad signed a new trade agreement under which the U.S. imposed a 19% tariff rate. While Pakistan has secured this deal, Trump has yet to finalize a similar agreement with India. Analysts say India, unsettled by tensions with Washington, is recalibrating its approach toward China as a balancing move.
First, Trump welcomed Pakistan’s army chief, Field Marshal Asim Munir, to the White House earlier this year. The meeting was significant as it marked the first time a U.S. president hosted Pakistan’s top military leader — often considered the country’s most powerful figure — without accompanying civilian officials.
“We’re working through several issues when it comes to counterterrorism, when it comes to economic and trade ties,” a senior State Department official told reporters Tuesday, underscoring the Biden administration’s focus on engaging Pakistan.
The official stressed that Trump remains committed to advancing U.S. interests in South Asia by strengthening ties with Islamabad. In India, the official noted that while Trump has voiced frustrations, the U.S. continues to see New Delhi as a “good friend and partner” whose relationship with Washington “will define the 21st century.”
The U.S. is also planning a summit of the Quad — comprising India, the U.S., Japan, and Australia — expected to be hosted by India. According to officials, the meeting could take place later this year or in early 2026.
Meanwhile, Pakistan has voiced support for Trump’s nomination for the Nobel Peace Prize, citing his role in defusing tensions with India. At the same time, Islamabad has criticized U.S. ally Israel for its military actions in Gaza, along with Qatar and Iran.
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