A White House lunch date has everyone talking amid an unfolding geopolitical game involving US, Pak, Iran, India
Asim Munir
, Pakistan's army chief and de facto ruler, will sit down for lunch with President
Donald Trump
. This unusual meeting between a US president and the military commander of a nation with a patchy democratic record signals more than just routine bilateral engagement. It is the latest episode in an unfolding geopolitical game involving Washington, Islamabad, Tehran and New Delhi. Strategic compulsions, realpolitik and historic grievances will be the flavours at the luncheon.
At first glance, a lunch between a US president and a foreign army chief might seem like a diplomatic footnote. But in the fraught landscape of South Asian geopolitics, nothing is merely symbolic. Trump's embrace of Munir is a calculated move, driven by strategic necessity, regional calculations and a personal preference for dealing with strong men.
Pakistan has long been a nation where the real locus of power lies not in the prime minister's office, but within the General Headquarters (GHQ) in Rawalpindi. The army has ruled directly for nearly half of Pakistan's post-independence history, and indirectly for much of the rest. Munir is no exception in this long tradition of military supremacy. After playing a pivotal role in the ousting of Imran Khan's elected government, Munir now presides over Pakistan's political, economic and security set-up with an iron grip.
by Taboola
by Taboola
Sponsored Links
Sponsored Links
Promoted Links
Promoted Links
You May Like
Okuliare, ktoré sa stávajú populárnymi po celom svete
onepower
Viac info
Undo
For Washington, however, this democratic deficit has historically taken a back seat to strategic calculations. Whether it was fighting the Soviets in Afghanistan in the 1980s or engaging in counterterrorism operations post-9/11, Pakistan's military has been a necessary, if often treacherous, ally. General Michael Kurilla, the head of US CENTCOM, recently called Pakistan a 'phenomenal partner in the counter-terrorism world', reflecting a continuity of thought that values Pakistan's geography and military assets over its democratic failings. Given the resurgence of militant groups like ISIS-K in the region and ongoing instability in Afghanistan following the US withdrawal, Pakistan's geography and intelligence apparatus make it a useful ally. Pakistan offers critical overflight access, potential staging areas and intelligence cooperation that could help prevent another large-scale terror threat to US interests.
AP
Asim Munir, Pak army chief
Iran in the background
However, Indian concerns about Munir's visit to Washington, and especially the optics of a personal lunch with Trump, may actually be unfounded as Trump could be courting the Pakistani military for his goals in the Middle East. Amid Iran-Israel conflict, there are reports of a possible US military operation against Iran after Trump said he was not looking for a ceasefire. If the US were to engage militarily with Iran, Pakistan's strategic location would be indispensable. Its airspace, logistical networks and surveillance capabilities could serve as vital support nodes. Pakistan's ability to influence Taliban behavior in Afghanistan adds yet another dimension of utility for Washington, especially as the US continues to recalibrate its regional presence.
Live Events
As a large Muslim-majority country with nuclear capabilities and deep ties in the Islamic world, Pakistan's position during a US strike on Iran would matter immensely. Additionally, Pakistan shares a border with Iran through Balochistan, where anti-Iran insurgent groups operate with alleged tacit support from Pakistan. If the Israel-Iran conflict escalates, Pakistan could serve as a quiet front for logistical or intelligence operations for the US military planners.
In this light, Munir's warm reception appears less a nod to his domestic credentials and a blind eye to his anti-India stance but more an acknowledgment of Pakistan's potential role in any future regional escalation against Iran. Trump's known disdain for multilateralism and penchant for transactional diplomacy makes such a strategic alignment all the more plausible.
India's strategic snub
But Washington's embrace of Munir comes at a price, particularly in its relations with India. For India, the optics of a US president wining and dining Pakistan's army chief, who is personally committed to spread terror in India, are deeply unsettling. Pakistan's military has long been accused by India of sponsoring cross-border terrorism, particularly in Kashmir. Munir himself is regarded in Indian intelligence circles as one of the principal architects of Pakistan's covert operations against Indian interests.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has made it unmistakably clear that India will not tolerate any attempt to resurrect the old Cold War hyphenation of 'India-Pakistan". Following the G7 Summit in Canada, Modi reportedly declined a face-to-face meeting with Trump on his return leg, citing a prior schedule. The symbolism becomes even more charged if reports are accurate that Trump had hoped to host both Modi and Munir in Washington concurrently, an overture that would have been perceived in New Delhi as equating a democratic partner with an authoritarian military chief and a spectacle that would have greatly diminished India's newly-acquired uncompromising stance on Pakistan's anti-India activities.
Modi's refusal to play along underlines India's growing confidence on the world stage and its unwillingness to allow legacy US mindsets to dictate regional paradigms.
Trump's affinity for strongmen is well-documented. From Vladimir Putin to Kim Jong-un, and now Asim Munir, his political instinct tends to favor personalities who project authority, regardless of their democratic credentials. In the case of Pakistan, this personal preference dovetails neatly with strategic exigencies. But the move risks alienating India at a time when New Delhi is being courted by the US as a counterweight to China in the Indo-Pacific. Joint military exercises, technology partnerships and shared concerns over Beijing have made India a cornerstone of Washington's Asia policy. A visible tilt toward Pakistan, especially its military, could jeopardize this fragile yet burgeoning partnership.
Moreover, Pakistan's reliability as an ally remains under question. While CENTCOM may praise its cooperation in counterterrorism, on the ground Pakistan has often played both sides, sheltering militants with one hand while cracking down under US pressure with the other. Such duplicity can also undermine any potential military campaign involving Iran or elsewhere.
Trump's embrace of Munir, if it's more than a brief transactional alliance due to the Iran angle, comes at the cost of alienating a more stable and democratic ally in India. Whether this is a temporary tactical maneuver or a deeper strategic recalibration remains to be seen. What is clear, though, is that this luncheon is not about food - it is a feast of interests, agendas and high-stakes diplomacy.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
&w=3840&q=100)
First Post
28 minutes ago
- First Post
US Judge blocks bid to unseal grand jury records as pressure mounts on Trump for Epstein list
District Judge Richard Berman in Manhattan ruled on Wednesday that the grand jury records – around 70 pages of testimony – were 'merely a hearsay snippet' compared with the government's 100,000 pages of investigative files Commuters walk past a bus stop near Nine Elms Station as activists put up a poster showing President Donald Trump and Jeffrey Epstein near the US Embassy in London. AP A US judge has denied a Justice Department attempt to release grand jury records from the sex-trafficking case against Jeffrey Epstein, saying the sealed materials are far less significant than the wider trove of government files on the disgraced financier that remain withheld from the public. District Judge Richard Berman in Manhattan ruled on Wednesday that the grand jury records – around 70 pages of testimony – were 'merely a hearsay snippet' compared with the government's 100,000 pages of investigative files. He argued that if the administration was serious about transparency, it should release the broader cache of documents rather than seeking an exception to rules protecting the secrecy of grand jury proceedings. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Trump's promise collides with legal barriers The decision adds to the political pressure on Donald Trump, who has faced mounting criticism from his conservative base over his administration's handling of the Epstein files. During his 2024 campaign, Trump pledged to make public all material connected to Epstein and accused Democrats of covering up the truth. But in July, the Justice Department announced it would not release any further material, dismissed claims of a hidden client list, and insisted much of the evidence could not be disclosed. The stance infuriated supporters who had expected sweeping disclosures. Following Trump's instruction, Attorney General Pam Bondi had asked the court to approve the release of Epstein's grand jury testimony. The filing revealed that the panel had heard from just one witness – an FBI agent – before handing down Epstein's indictment. Wider legal push stalls across jurisdictions The latest ruling follows similar setbacks for the administration in other courts. Earlier this month, Judge Paul Engelmayer in Manhattan rejected a bid to unseal grand jury materials from the case of Ghislaine Maxwell, Epstein's longtime associate, who is serving a 20-year prison sentence for recruiting underage girls. Engelmayer wrote that the evidence presented to her grand jury was already aired at her trial and contained no indication of others having sexual contact with minors. In July, a Florida judge also refused a request to release grand jury records from Epstein's earlier federal investigations in 2005 and 2007. Those probes culminated in a controversial 2008 plea deal that saw Epstein serve just 13 months in jail on a state prostitution charge. Epstein's legacy and lingering conspiracy theories Epstein, who pleaded not guilty to sex-trafficking charges, died in a Manhattan jail cell in 2019. His death, officially ruled a suicide by hanging, fuelled conspiracy theories that he was murdered to protect powerful associates. His connections with influential figures across politics, business and royalty have continued to stoke public interest in the case and demands for transparency. With inputs from agencies
Time of India
42 minutes ago
- Time of India
Anticipating GST changes, Ludhiana industry wants reforms expedited.
Ludhiana: As Prime Minister Narendra Modi unveiled what he called a "Diwali gift", major reforms to the Goods and Services Tax (GST), industrial and trade bodies are expressing cautious optimism. While they welcome the simplification, stakeholders insist that swift implementation, especially of refunds, is essential to prevent disruptions and revive consumption. In his August 15 Independence Day address, PM Modi revealed plans to overhaul GST by October, aimed at easing the tax burden on daily-use items and MSMEs. The long-standing four-slab system (5%, 12%, 18%, 28%) is being anticipated to be replaced by a streamlined two-slab structure with rates of 5% and 18%, and a special 40% rate on sin and luxury goods like tobacco and pan masala, as per reports of proposal having been sent to the group of ministers (GoM) and state finance ministers, ahead of the GST council's meeting. Industrialists and businessmen of Ludhiana expect that this reform could boost domestic consumption, exports, and market sentiment. "The prospect of two main GST rates are welcome, but delayed refunds could cripple operations. If we must wait for GST refunds on expenditure on raw materials, it's going to be tough," Avtar Singh Bhogal, vice-president, UCPMA, said, stressing that timely refunds would support purchasing power and curtail GST evasion. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt's Daughter Shiloh Now Goes by a New Name After Dropping Pitt BigGlobalTravel Undo Upkar Singh Ahuja, president of the Chamber of Industrial and Commercial Undertakings (CICU), echoed the urgency. He warned that markets were already slow and showed signs of recession, with consumers delaying purchases in anticipation of GST relief. "Whatever changes are to be done, do them now, not wait until Diwali," he urged. "People are have stopped purchasing on big items anticipating lower GST and, thus, prices," he said. There have been long-standing industry demands for GST simplification, Harsimarjit Singh Lucky, UCMPA president said. He added that reforms would bring relief that would curtail evasion and simplify compliance. Sonu Nilibar, president of the Punjab Textile Merchant Association, said "A uniform 5% GST rate on garments would be a landmark reform. It will bring much-needed clarity, make goods affordable, boost consumption, and ease compliance. On behalf of trade, I warmly thank Prime Minister Modi for considering this long-awaited reform." Stay updated with the latest local news from your city on Times of India (TOI). Check upcoming bank holidays , public holidays , and current gold rates and silver prices in your area.
Time of India
42 minutes ago
- Time of India
Buddhist monk from Bangladesh who applied for citizenship under CAA booked for holding fake Indian passport
Nagpur: Joysen Barua, a 41-year-old Buddhist monk from Chittagong in Bangladesh, who was among the first to apply for citizenship in Nagpur under the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA), is now on the run facing charges of holding a fake Indian passport. An FIR was registered against him on Tuesday. This happened even as his application under CAA was being processed by the district level committee (DLC). CAA allows Hindus, Jains, Buddhists, Parsis, and Christians from Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Afghanistan to obtain Indian nationality on a fast-track basis. The DLC holds its meetings at the General Post Office from time to time to process the applications. Living in India since 2011, Barua applied for citizenship under CAA and first appeared before the committee in June 2024. His case could not be processed as he needed to submit more papers to prove his Bangladeshi citizenship. He again appeared before DLC on August 8 this year, but again sought time for getting the papers. A source said he did not have an original Bangladeshi passport and submitted a coloured photocopy of the passport. However, the DLC needs original documents. He did not even have a resident permit (RP), which is issued for foreigners coming to India. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like American Investor Warren Buffett Recommends: 5 Books For Turning Your Life Around Blinkist: Warren Buffett's Reading List Undo "An offence has been registered against him for possessing a fake Indian passport and a search is on to trace him," said the police inspector (Gittikhadan station) Kailas Deshmane, where an offence has been registered against him. The DLC had scheduled an appointment for CAA applicants on Wednesday. However, on Tuesday, Barua simply walked into the regional passport office and told an official that he was a Bangladeshi citizen living on a fake Indian passport. He also handed over the allegedly forged Indian passport, admitting that it was fake. Barua said he wanted to obtain Indian citizenship through legal means. When TOI interviewed him in June 2024 at the GPO, Barua displayed his school leaving certificate and marksheet from Boalkhali in Chittagong district of Bangladesh. Barua told TOI that he applied for CAA soon after the law came into force in March 2024. He also accepted that his visa was not valid. He came to India in 2011 on a tourist visa to visit Bodh Gaya in Bihar, but overstayed. "There were other monks from Bangladesh who eventually reached Nagpur. In 2014, communal strife back in Chittagong prompted him to stay back in India. His parents and brother continue to live in Chittagong," he said. Stay updated with the latest local news from your city on Times of India (TOI). Check upcoming bank holidays , public holidays , and current gold rates and silver prices in your area.
