Trump’s closeness with Field Marshal Asim Munir gave new direction to Pak–US ties: Foreign Policy

US magazine Foreign Policy has described Pakistan as a major diplomatic gainer and India as a clear loser under President Donald Trump’s new foreign policy approach, according to its latest report.

The report says that since the start of Trump’s second term, Pakistan has made a “quiet but effective” strategic comeback in Washington, leading to a noticeable improvement in relations between the two countries.

It adds that Pakistan has gained a level of trust and direct access that even some close US allies have struggled to achieve.

According to Foreign Policy, Pakistan’s role in the arrest of a senior terrorism mastermind delivered an immediate diplomatic success for the Trump administration.

The development helped rebuild trust and led Washington to once again view Pakistan as a reliable and effective partner.

The report states that Pakistan has adapted well to President Trump’s “transactional” foreign policy model by focusing on practical and result-oriented diplomacy.

Areas of engagement reportedly include cooperation and potential agreements related to cryptocurrency, critical minerals, and trade.

Foreign Policy also highlighted the role of Pakistan’s military leadership, particularly Field Marshal Asim Munir, as an important factor in the improvement of bilateral ties. It noted that President Trump’s personal engagement with Pakistan’s military leadership has strengthened Islamabad’s position in Washington.

The reception of Field Marshal Asim Munir and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif by US Secretary of State Marco Rubio at the Oval Office was described as a positive signal.

In contrast, the magazine placed India among the “losers” of Trump’s revised foreign policy. The report said US-India relations have fallen to their lowest level in two decades, with Washington expressing frustration over India’s trade policies, continued oil purchases from Russia, and delays in reaching a trade agreement.

According to the report, a 50 per cent tariff on Indian goods remains in place, while uncertainty continues over a bilateral trade deal.

Foreign Policy concluded that Pakistan’s diplomatic progress in Washington has affected the regional balance of power, placing India under increased diplomatic pressure.