Washington —
In a surprising diplomatic shift, U.S. President Donald Trump, long perceived as close to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, now appears to have developed a warm rapport with Pakistan’s Field Marshal Asim Munir — a move analysts say could reshape South Asia’s strategic landscape.
Speaking on CNN, veteran political analyst Fareed Zakaria noted, “President Trump has abruptly changed the trajectory of U.S. policy toward India and Pakistan — he now seems genuinely impressed by Field Marshal Asim Munir.”
Zakaria added that during the Cairo Peace Conference, Trump publicly referred to the Pakistani military chief as his ‘favorite field marshal’, marking a symbolic but significant shift in tone from Washington.
According to Zakaria, bilateral ties between the U.S. and Pakistan have improved steadily over recent months. In July, the two nations signed a tariff cooperation agreement and announced joint initiatives in Pakistan’s energy and oil sectors.
“The U.S. now recognizes Pakistan as an effective military and strategic partner,” Zakaria said, “one capable of contributing to regional stability and counterterrorism efforts.”
Analysts believe that Field Marshal Munir’s professional acumen and expanding regional influence have also impressed Saudi Arabia, which recently finalized a defense cooperation pact with Islamabad.
This apparent U.S. pivot comes at a time when Washington’s alignment with New Delhi appears to be cooling, suggesting the possibility of a new balance of power in South Asia.
