Retired US Brigadier General Mark Kimmitt has stated that Washington’s growing closeness with Pakistan is largely due to India’s “arrogance.” In an appearance on Piers Morgan Uncensored, the former general said that President Donald Trump has established a “bromance” with Field Marshal Asim Munir, a development that should be a cause for concern for New Delhi.
“India’s arrogance that’s been displayed to President Trump manifests itself in the fact that we are now becoming much closer to Pakistan,” Kimmitt said. “Field Marshal Munir has now a bromance with President Trump that should actually give India some pause.”
Strained Relations Between Modi and Trump
Friction between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Trump escalated after Trump repeatedly claimed to have brokered a nuclear war ceasefire—an assertion India has rejected, stating the agreement was made directly between the two nations. Tensions culminated in a June 17 phone call with Modi after Trump had already left the Group of Seven summit in Canada, preventing an in-person meeting.
Field Marshal Munir’s most recent US visit in June included a rare one-on-one meeting with Trump at the White House. This visit took place amidst an armed conflict between Pakistan and India, during which Washington helped broker a ceasefire. This followed Indian strikes inside Pakistan, which New Delhi claimed were targeting those responsible for the Pahalgam attack in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK). In response, Pakistan launched Operation Bunyan-um-Marsoos, downing multiple Indian fighter jets.
Modi’s Efforts to Mend Ties
A day earlier, PM Modi had said that New Delhi and Washington still shared “very positive” ties. In a social media statement, Modi expressed optimism about the relationship after Trump reaffirmed his personal friendship and downplayed his earlier remarks about “losing India” to China. “Deeply appreciate and fully reciprocate President Trump’s sentiments and positive assessment of our ties,” Modi wrote on X, adding that the two countries share a “very positive and forward-looking comprehensive and global strategic partnership.” Trump had earlier told reporters that he “will always be friends with Modi.” He added that “India and the United States have a special relationship. There is nothing to worry about,” downplaying his previous comments.
