India irked as US invites Field Marshal Gen Asim Munir to Army Day celebrations

Field Marshal General Asim Munir has been invited to attend the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States Army in New York, scheduled from June 7 to June 14, a development welcomed by Pakistan, but met with concern in India.

The development took place after Commander of US Central Command (CENTCOM), General Michael Kurilla praised Pakistan’s cooperation in counterterrorism efforts at a hearing before the House Foreign Affairs Committee (HFAC) on Tuesday.

The invitation, originally proposed during the Trump administration, has been interpreted by some pro-India and anti-Pakistan analysts as a controversial move, with suggestions of underlying strategic motives.

In the context of Pakistan-US relations, the invitation is being seen as a subtle endorsement of Pakistan’s ongoing efforts in combating terrorism. However, Indian media outlets and lobbying groups have expressed reservations, viewing the development with skepticism.

‘Pakistan has been a phenomenal partner in counter-terrorism:’ CENTCOM chief

Indian Congress MP Jairam Ramesh strongly criticised the United States' praise for Pakistan's counter-terrorism efforts and the invitation extended to General Asim Munir, labeling it a "huge setback" for Indian foreign policy.

The leader also expressed disapproval of the US consistently acknowledging Pakistan's efforts in combating terrorism, noting continuous commendation from both the Trump administration and American military officials.

"What is the US up to? These are challenges. We have to sit together. We have to have a collective response, a collective will. How is that coming about? It will come only through all-party meetings. It will come only through the parliament sessions," he stated, emphasising the need for domestic political unity in India.

Indian analyst Pravin Sawhney, known for his unbiased commentary, viewed the US actions as a significant achievement for Pakistan, particularly given that an Indian delegation was reportedly lobbying against Pakistan internationally.

Sawhney shared his perspective on X, "I am not surprised by the news. Under him, Pakistan military has proved its counter terror credentials to the US. And also under him, Pakistan military led by PAF has shown to the world that it is peer competitor of Indian military in Operation Sindoor. Time for Indian National Congress MPs who were part of the government's All Party delegations to 22 nations (most of which were inconsequential) to know this!"

I am not surprised by the news. Under him, Pakistan military has proved its counter terror credentials to the US.
And also under him, Pakistan military led by PAF has shown to the world that it is peer competitor of Indian military #OperationSindoor
Time for @INCIndia MPs who… https://t.co/QaOy541jos

— Pravin Sawhney (@PravinSawhney) June 11, 2025

Echoing this sentiment, South Asian analyst Michael Kugelman suggested that the invitation to Army Chief General Asim Munir reflects the deep ties between US and Pakistani forces.

"Much is unclear about Gen. Munir’s reported upcoming trip to the US. But if he comes, a CENTCOM visit is a possibility. He and Gen. Kurilla have met 3 times in less than 2 years. Kurilla praised him yesterday in Hill testimony. US-Pak officer-to-officer ties are generally strong.”

Much is unclear about Gen. Munir’s reported upcoming trip to the US. But if he comes, a CENTCOM visit is a possibility. He and Gen. Kurilla have met 3 times in less than 2 years. Kurilla praised him yesterday in Hill testimony. US-Pak officer-to-officer ties are generally strong.

— Michael Kugelman (@MichaelKugelman) June 11, 2025