In recent months, the relationship between Pakistan and the United States appears to have grown significantly closer. Pakistan’s Army Chief, General Asim Munir, has visited the US twice
In recent months, the relationship between Pakistan and the United States appears to have grown significantly closer. Pakistan’s Army Chief, General Asim Munir, has visited the US twice within the past two months—a development that has caught the attention of regional observers and global diplomatic analysts alike.
Against this backdrop, US State Department spokesperson Tammi Bruce addressed questions on the state of US–Pakistan relations during a press conference held on Tuesday, August 12. Speaking to reporters, Bruce stated that Washington enjoys good relations with both India and Pakistan and believes that continued engagement with both nations is beneficial not only for the region but also for the world at large.
According to a report by the Press Trust of India (PTI), Bruce emphasized:
“Our relationships with both countries remain the same as they have been, which is a good thing. This is one of the advantages of having a president who knows everyone and talks to everyone. It’s clear that our diplomats here are committed to both countries.”
Bruce’s remarks came in response to a question about the possible increase in US assistance to Pakistan—particularly in the area of arms sales—following General Asim Munir’s recent meeting with former US President Donald Trump.
Bruce was also asked about Washington’s position on the military conflict between India and Pakistan. She noted that the US has a clear understanding of the tensions between the two nuclear-armed neighbors, describing the conflict as potentially “quite frightening” had it escalated further.
She elaborated:
“We have first-hand experience of the kind of conflict that could have been extremely dangerous between Pakistan and India. President Trump, Vice President JD Vance, and Secretary of State Marco Rubio expressed concern over what was happening and took immediate steps to address the situation. We had engaged in phone calls and diplomatic outreach to manage the tensions.”
Her statement highlighted the proactive role the US administration claimed to have played in preventing the situation from spiraling into a larger crisis.
The recent warmth between Washington and Islamabad is occurring in the context of rising friction between the United States and India.
Reports indicate that tensions have been building after Donald Trump’s administration imposed a 50% tariff on Indian goods—a move that has caused significant strain in bilateral trade relations. Trump is also said to be displeased with India’s continued purchase of crude oil from Russia, a point of contention given Washington’s push to reduce Moscow’s global economic influence amid ongoing geopolitical conflicts.
Historically, relations between India and Pakistan have been fraught with hostility, marked by decades of military standoffs, border skirmishes, and deep political mistrust. Now, at a time when Washington’s relations with New Delhi are facing turbulence, the US appears to be strengthening its ties with Islamabad.
However, Bruce was clear in stressing that this shift does not mean the nature of the relationship with Pakistan has fundamentally changed:
“A relationship can’t change overnight. The ties we have are the same as before, and that’s a positive thing.”
The US has long attempted to balance its relationships with both India and Pakistan—a task complicated by the historical animosity between the two South Asian nations. In recent decades, Washington has leaned more toward India as part of its Indo-Pacific strategy, particularly as a counterbalance to China’s growing regional influence.
However, strategic engagement with Pakistan remains important for the US, particularly in the context of counterterrorism, stability in Afghanistan, and maintaining influence in South Asia. Pakistan’s military, led by figures like General Asim Munir, continues to play a pivotal role in regional security dynamics.
General Munir’s visits to the United States—two trips within just two months—are being interpreted by analysts as part of a deliberate effort to enhance Pakistan’s international profile and secure strategic advantages. His meetings reportedly included discussions on defense cooperation, intelligence sharing, and economic engagement.
The meeting with Donald Trump drew particular attention, as it came amid speculation about whether a new US administration would adjust its South Asia strategy. Questions about increased arms sales and defense aid to Pakistan reflect the concerns of regional stakeholders, particularly India, which views US military support to Pakistan as a potential security threat.
Trade tensions between Washington and New Delhi have intensified after the US imposed steep tariffs on Indian imports. While Trump’s administration has justified these tariffs on the grounds of “protecting American industries” and addressing trade imbalances, India has criticized the move as punitive and counterproductive to bilateral cooperation.
Energy policy has also become a flashpoint. The US has urged India to reduce or halt its purchases of Russian oil, aligning with Western sanctions designed to limit Moscow’s revenue streams amid the war in Ukraine. However, India has defended its position, citing economic needs and its long-standing policy of diversified energy sourcing.
The growing proximity between Pakistan and the United States—combined with strained US–India ties—could shift the regional balance of power in South Asia. While the US insists it remains committed to strong relations with both nations, its warming ties with Islamabad could raise concerns in New Delhi about Washington’s strategic priorities.
If the US were to increase military or financial aid to Pakistan, it could reignite debates in India about the credibility of Washington as a long-term strategic partner. Conversely, the US may be using its renewed engagement with Pakistan as leverage to influence India’s policy decisions—particularly on trade and its relations with Russia.
By emphasizing that its relationships with both India and Pakistan are unchanged, the White House appears to be sending a message of continuity and stability. Bruce’s remarks suggest that Washington does not wish to be seen as taking sides, even as it navigates complex geopolitical shifts.
The statement that “relationships can’t change overnight” serves two purposes:
The evolving dynamics between the US, Pakistan, and India reflect the complexities of modern geopolitics, where economic disputes, security considerations, and global power rivalries intersect. As Pakistan’s Army Chief Asim Munir engages in high-level diplomacy in Washington, the United States finds itself walking a fine line—strengthening ties with Islamabad without alienating New Delhi.
With trade tensions with India unresolved, concerns over energy sourcing from Russia, and an ever-present risk of India–Pakistan conflict, the coming months will test Washington’s ability to maintain its delicate balancing act in South Asia.
For now, as Tammi Bruce made clear, the official US position is one of continuity: the relationships with both India and Pakistan remain unchanged—and that, in the eyes of the White House, is a good thing.
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They have drawn attention because Pakistan’s Army Chief, General Asim Munir, visited the US twice in the past two months, signaling increased diplomatic engagement.
Spokesperson Tammi Bruce said the US enjoys good relations with both India and Pakistan, and that maintaining such ties is beneficial for the region and the world.
According to Bruce, the nature of the US–Pakistan relationship remains the same as before. She emphasized that “relationships can’t change overnight.”
Yes. Bruce noted that the US administration was concerned about a potentially dangerous military conflict between India and Pakistan and took immediate diplomatic steps to address it.
Trump, along with Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio, expressed concern over India–Pakistan tensions and engaged in diplomatic outreach during the crisis.
