Trump Thanks Pakistan Army Chief for Restraint, Endorses India on Global Stage
In a surprising revelation, former U.S. President Donald Trump has explained the reason behind his recent meeting with Pakistan Army Chief General Asim Munir — and the implications are global. Speaking to reporters, Trump said he thanked General Munir for “not going into the war with India”, referring to a time of heightened tensions during the Indo-Pak standoff.
SHOCKING NEWS 🚨 Trump cites reason for hosting Asim Munir.
— Times Algebra (@TimesAlgebraIND) June 19, 2025
He said "I thanked Munir 'for not going into the war (with India)"
'Modi is a fantastic Man. US will do a Trade Deal with India"
"Pakistani leadership knows Iran very well, better than most. We do not want Iran to… pic.twitter.com/tpMnsPRj3t
Trump’s acknowledgment confirms speculations that backchannel diplomacy was active during recent India-Pakistan tensions, especially surrounding Operation Sindoor — India’s military response to provocations allegedly backed by Pakistan.
Amid rising questions over why a former U.S. President would host the head of Pakistan’s military. Trump’s remarks suggest Washington still considers Rawalpindi a key player in maintaining regional peace, especially in nuclear-sensitive zones like the India-Pakistan border.
Trump Praises Modi, Mentions Trade Deal; Says Pakistan Knows Iran Better Than Most
What made headlines even more explosive was Trump’s follow-up comment about India and Iran. He called Prime Minister Narendra Modi “a fantastic man”, once again emphasizing his positive rapport with the Indian leader. Trump also said, “The U.S. will do a trade deal with India”, if he were to return to power in 2025.
He then pivoted to Iran, warning, “We do not want Iran to become an atomic power.” Notably, Trump highlighted that “Pakistani leadership knows Iran very well — better than most”, hinting at a potential U.S. interest in leveraging Pakistan’s military and intelligence networks to monitor developments in Tehran.
This statement reinforces Trump’s earlier Iran strategy, which relied heavily on regional intelligence allies and economic sanctions. However, the juxtaposition of praising both India and Pakistan in the same breath, especially during a time when India is asserting itself as a global power, may raise eyebrows in New Delhi.
Trump’s words underline the complex triangular diplomacy between the U.S., India, and Pakistan. While Washington leans on Pakistan’s proximity to Iran for intelligence purposes, it is also building robust trade and defense ties with India — a strategic counterweight to China in Asia.
The remarks also confirm that even in private diplomacy, the India-Pakistan conflict remains central to U.S. strategic calculations.
