(TASSAWAR NEWS) A new report has shed light on a surprising turn in U.S. foreign policy during Donald Trump’s presidency, revealing that tensions with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi pushed Washington closer to Pakistan.
Initially, India enjoyed strong ties with Trump’s White House, seen as a vital Indo-Pacific partner against China. Pakistan, however, carried a strained image in the U.S. following years of post-9/11 mistrust. But that began to change when Trump, in a Congress address, publicly praised Pakistan’s counterterrorism role—an endorsement that quickly elevated Islamabad’s standing in Washington policy circles.
The decisive moment reportedly came during the India-Pakistan military standoff, when Modi ordered airstrikes on Pakistan following the Pahalgam attack. Pakistan responded by shooting down Indian fighter jets, an event that dented India’s military reputation. Trump stepped in to mediate a ceasefire—an effort acknowledged warmly by Islamabad, which even nominated him for a Nobel Peace Prize. India, however, dismissed Trump’s role, sparking anger in the White House.
As relations soured, Modi’s scheduled visit to Washington was canceled. In contrast, Pakistan Army Chief Field Marshal Asim Munir was hosted at the White House with a formal lunch by Trump himself. Munir’s calm diplomacy reportedly impressed the U.S. President, paving the way for new economic agreements between the two nations.
The report further claims Trump penalized India by raising tariffs after its purchase of Russian oil, while also tightening security ties with Islamabad by designating the Balochistan Liberation Army a terrorist organization.
Analysts caution, however, that Trump’s tilt toward Pakistan may not reflect broader U.S. institutional policy. Still, as trade in minerals and energy expands between Washington and Islamabad, experts believe Pakistan has a rare opportunity to secure long-term strategic gains—if it plays its cards wisely.
