Overview
- President Donald Trump lauded Pakistan’s leadership, saying he gets along with the country very well and that Pakistan is doing “terrifically well,” while praising Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and General Asim Munir.
- U.S. Under Secretary of State Allison Hooker said she supported Pakistan’s right to defend itself against Taliban attacks after speaking with Pakistan’s foreign secretary, Amna Baloch.
- Pakistan launched airstrikes on Afghan cities this week and faced Taliban retaliation, with Defence Minister Khawaja Asif describing an “open war” as the UK urged de-escalation, China called for a ceasefire, and Iran offered to mediate.
- Congress leader Jairam Ramesh called Trump’s stance a setback for Indian “huglomacy,” said the “self-declared Vishwaguru” has been exposed, and linked the praise to Gen Asim Munir and the April 22, 2025 Pahalgam attack he attributes to Pakistan.
- Ramesh also argued India’s economic diplomacy faltered, alleging a one-sided U.S. trade deal and pointing to a 125.87% U.S. import duty on Indian solar modules imposed days after the agreement.