Latest news with #Munir
Express Tribune
2 days ago
- Business
- Express Tribune
India seeks to recalibrate China ties
United States President Donald Trump's lunch meeting with Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir prompted a private diplomatic protest from India in a warning to Washington about risks to their bilateral ties while New Delhi is recalibrating relations with China as a hedge, officials and analysts said. The meeting and other tensions in the US-India relationship, after decades of flourishing ties, have cast a shadow in trade negotiations, they said, as Trump's administration weighs tariffs against one of its major partners in the Indo-Pacific. India blames Pakistan, especially the military establishment, for supporting what it alleges is cross-border terrorism and has told the US it is sending the wrong signals by wooing Field Marshal Munir, three senior Indian government officials directly aware of the matter told Reuters. It has created a sore spot that will hamper relations going forward, they said. US-India ties have strengthened in the past two decades despite minor hiccups, at least partly because both countries seek to counter China. The current problems are different, said Michael Kugelman, a Washington-based senior fellow at the Asia Pacific Foundation think tank. "The frequency and intensity with which the US is engaging with Pakistan, and seemingly not taking Indian concerns into account, especially after India's recent conflict with Pakistan, has contributed to a bit of a bilateral malaise. "The concern this time around is that one of the triggers for broader tensions, that being Trump's unpredictability, is extending into the trade realm with his approach to tariffs," he said. Prime Minister Narendra Modi's office and India's foreign ministry did not respond to a request for comment. The foreign ministry has previously said that it had "taken note" of the Trump-Munir meeting. A US official said they do not comment on private diplomatic communications and that the US enjoys strong relationships with both India and Pakistan. "These relationships stand on their own merits, and we do not compare our bilateral relationships with one another," the US official said. The US seems to have taken a different tack on Pakistan after a brief conflict broke out between the nuclear-armed rivals in May when India launched strikes on what it called terrorist targets across the border in response to a deadly attack on tourists in IIOJK. A few weeks after the May fighting, Trump hosted Field Marshal Munir for lunch at the White House, a major boost in ties with the country, which had largely languished under Trump's first term and Joe Biden. It was the first time a US president had hosted the head of Pakistan's army at the White House unaccompanied by senior Pakistani civilian officials. COAS Munir's meeting in the White House added to India's chagrin over Trump's repeated insistence that he averted nuclear war between the two nations by threatening to stop trade negotiations with them. The comment drew a sharp response from Modi, who told Trump that the ceasefire was achieved through talks between army commanders of the two nations, and not US mediation. In the days following his June 18 meeting with COAS Munir, people from Modi's office and India's national security adviser's office made separate calls to their US counterparts to register a protest, two of the officials said. The protest has not been previously reported. "We have communicated to the US our position on cross-border terrorism, which is a red line for us," said a senior Indian official. "These are difficult times Trump's inability to understand our concerns does create some wrinkle in ties," he added, seeking anonymity due to the sensitivity of the matter. Trump and COAS Munir discussed continuation of a counterterrorism collaboration, under which the US has previously provided weapons to Pakistan, a non-Nato US ally, and talked about ways to further strengthen ties, a readout of the meeting from the Inter-Services Public Relations said. That raised concern in New Delhi that any arms Pakistan receives from the US could be turned on India if the neighbours end up in conflict again, two of the officials said. Harder stance Despite what used to be public displays of bonhomie between Trump and Modi, India has been taking a slightly harder stance against the US in recent weeks, while trade discussions have also slowed, the Indian officials and an Indian industry lobbyist said. Modi declined an invitation from Trump to visit Washington after the G7 meeting in Canada in June. Earlier this month, New Delhi proposed retaliatory duties against the US at the World Trade Organisation, showing trade talks were not going as smoothly as they were before the India-Pakistan clashes. India, like other nations, is trying to figure out a way to deal with Trump and is recalibrating ties with China as a hedge, said Harsh Pant, foreign policy head at India's Observer Research Foundation think tank. "Certainly there is an outreach to China," he said. "And I think it is mutual China is also reaching out".
Indian Express
3 days ago
- Politics
- Indian Express
Designating TRF as a terrorist group is welcome, but US has a tendency to play both sides
Asim Munir's recent visit to Washington reaffirmed Pakistan's alignment with US strategic interests. Publicly endorsed by CENTCOM chief General Kurilla as a 'phenomenal partner,' Pakistan continues to position itself as a counterterrorism ally, despite its longstanding use of militant groups as foreign policy tools. These developments underscore the transactional nature of the US-Pakistan relationship, where tactical alignment often overshadows long-term strategic divergence. For India, this highlights the need for vigilance and independence in dealing with regional security issues, particularly as Washington continues to balance its ties with both Islamabad and New Delhi. India's approach must be practical, based on realism, and free from the historical baggage that hinders progress. The recent designation of The Resistance Forum (TRF), a rebranded offshoot of the banned Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), as a global terror organisation by the US represents more than just a counter-terrorism action. It sends a strategic message that connects with broader regional dynamics and internal shifts within Pakistan. The US has long utilised terror designations, military aid, and economic pressure as tools of influence. The timing of the TRF's listing — during backchannel meetings, changing alliances, and defence cooperation talks — should not be seen as coincidental. Pakistan, under the informal control of the powerful military establishment led by Munir, remains a central player in this situation. Reports that Munir may be preparing for a transition from military to civilian leadership — possibly as the country's next president — add a new layer of complexity. The Pakistani Army has always played a dual role, exerting de facto political power while maintaining the appearance of democratic governance. If Munir does become president, it would formalise what has long been an open secret: Pakistan is a state run by its generals, not its elected officials. Munir's current influence, untethered by public accountability, distorts Pakistan's already fragile democratic structure. His management of both foreign and domestic policy blurs the line between governance and military strategy. Recent high-level meetings involving Munir and the Chief of Pakistan Air Force (PAF), coinciding with the TRF's terror designation, raise questions about the legitimacy and goals of these interactions. The backdrop to these engagements is likely Pakistan's urgent military needs. Indian punitive strikes during Operation Sindoor caused significant damage to key Pakistani airbases at Nur Khan and Sargodha, amongst others, requiring repairs and replacements. The PAF is reportedly seeking spare parts for its F-16 fleet — a need that cannot be met without US cooperation. It appears that the Pakistani government is quietly collaborating with Washington to secure this support without resorting to IMF or World Bank funds, thereby avoiding scrutiny of military spending amid economic instability. This implicit understanding between the US and Pakistan reflects an evolving relationship. Washington no longer views Islamabad solely through the lens of the Afghan conflict but instead as a flexible partner, willing to meet demands in exchange for support. The days of aid in exchange for loyalty are gone — now, cooperation is transactional, and Pakistan's leadership appears more than eager to cooperate. For India, this situation presents both a challenge and an opportunity. The shifting alignment of US interests — sometimes favouring Pakistan, at other times leaning toward India — requires a clear and focused response. American support for Indian security remains strong, but it is not without conditions. Washington will prioritise its national interests above all, even if that means playing both sides in South Asia. Whether it's counterterrorism cooperation, arms sales, or trade negotiations, New Delhi must assert its independence with Washington. American tariffs and weapons deals serve as tools of influence, often used to sway policy decisions or gain concessions. India's autonomy is crucial in these interactions, and it must remain focused on its national interests and avoid being manipulated into a state of dependency. Meanwhile, new alignments are starting to form. Russia and China are showing renewed interest in strengthening the Russia-India-China (RIC) alliance. Although this trilateral framework lacks the strength of NATO or QUAD, it serves as an essential counterbalance to Western influence. India should explore this space, not out of unquestioning loyalty, but to prevent undue pressure from any single power bloc. The re-emergence of the Taliban in Afghanistan, three decades after being ousted, and the US's ongoing operational presence in the region (including leasing airbases and printing Afghan currency) indicate a long-term American interest in Central and South Asia. These actions are not driven by altruism — they are part of a calculated strategy to maintain influence in one of the world's most volatile regions. India must recognise that it is being watched, evaluated, and targeted by global powers who see it as both a partner and a pawn. In this environment, the principles of the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) gain renewed relevance. Not the NAM of the Cold War era, but a reimagined model — one that is pragmatic, flexible, and focused on issue-based cooperation rather than ideological loyalty. To navigate this complexity, India must also look inward. There is an urgent need to engage its neighbours, not as subordinates, but as equal stakeholders. The Subcontinent cannot afford to be shackled by its past. While historical wrongs and unresolved disputes persist, they must not define the future. The policy of strategic patience must be replaced with a strategic approach to problem-solving, one that values and promotes regional cooperation. This means reevaluating relationships with nations such as Bangladesh, Nepal, Sri Lanka, and even Pakistan. It involves restarting stalled dialogues, not to compromise sovereignty or national security, but to build a regional consensus that benefits India. Assertiveness must be balanced with diplomacy, and power must be tempered by responsibility. India's path forward should be neither isolationist nor interventionist — it should be independent. We must assert our narrative, unfiltered by Western media, unpressured by superpower coercion, and unfazed by regional provocations. The TRF listing, the whispers of a presidential coup in Pakistan, and the transactional nature of US foreign policy are all reminders that the game is on. We must shed the weight of the past. We cannot undo Partition. We cannot undo wars. But we can choose how we move forward. Let history be a lesson, not a leash. Let us walk forward — eyes open, feet grounded, and purpose clear. The writer is a lieutenant colonel, former Armoured Corps officer, defence analyst and strategic thinker
India.com
3 days ago
- Politics
- India.com
Asim Munir For President? Why India Should Be Watching Pakistan's Power Shuffle Closely
From Lahore to Karachi, political circles and common citizens alike are abuzz with speculation: is Pakistan's powerful Army Chief, General Asim Munir, planning to become the country's next President? Reports in some Pakistani media suggest that Munir is exploring constitutional changes to remove current President Asif Ali Zardari — father of PPP leader Bilawal Bhutto — and potentially install himself in the top civilian post. Why Is Munir Eyeing Presidency? While military interference in Pakistan's civilian affairs is hardly new, Munir's move raises deeper questions. Analysts believe the army wants tighter control over the political narrative, especially after recent friction with Bilawal Bhutto, who openly criticised Munir's war-mongering statements following India's Operation Sindoor. The army reportedly expected Bilawal to amplify anti-India rhetoric during his foreign visits, but instead, he diplomatically stuck to the Indus Waters Treaty — defying the military's agenda. Rising Tensions Between PPP-Military This defiance has widened the rift between the Pakistan People's Party (PPP) and the military. Zardari's position as President has become a pressure point, with speculation that removing him would also weaken Bilawal's political standing. The friction intensified after Bilawal gave a controversial interview stating that if India provides intelligence on Masood Azhar's whereabouts, Pakistan would consider arresting him — a statement that upset both the military and terror networks with known ties to the army. Extradition Dilemma Although there's no formal extradition treaty between India and Pakistan, international law includes a principle called "Double Criminality" — which allows extradition if the accused is wanted in both countries for the same crime. Hafiz Saeed, for instance, faces trial in Pakistan for his role in the 26/11 Mumbai attacks and has also been convicted in the U.S. for related terrorism charges. Similarly, Masood Azhar is accused in Pakistan of plotting ex-dictator Pervez Musharraf's assassination. These overlapping legal cases mean that extradition isn't impossible — and recent signals from the Pakistani government have made terror-linked factions and Munir's circle uneasy. Munir - De Facto Leader? Despite PM Shehbaz Sharif dismissing the speculation about Munir's presidential ambitions, history paints a different picture. Munir was recently elevated to Field Marshal, a rare honour last conferred on Ayub Khan, who also transitioned from military chief to President-dictator. Munir, too, holds a resume filled with powerful postings — from DG ISI to Army Chief — and his high-profile solo visits to key nations such as Saudi Arabia, Türkiye, and Iran suggest a man positioning himself at the global forefront, with or without civilian endorsement. What This Means for India A Pakistan led by Field Marshal Munir — either officially or from behind the scenes — would be deeply militarised, potentially escalating tensions with New Delhi. India already sees Munir as the architect of the recent Pahalgam terror attack, a staunch supporter of the two-nation theory, and someone who has publicly referred to Kashmir as Pakistan's 'jugular vein.' His rise could mean tougher rhetoric, aggressive posturing on Kashmir, and tighter coordination between the military and terror proxies. The Bottom Line Whether or not Munir becomes President, his growing dominance in Pakistan's power structure is undeniable. And for India, a military-first Pakistan under Munir's shadow is a clear red flag — both diplomatically and on the security front.
News18
3 days ago
- Politics
- News18
Will Army Chief Asim Munir Be Next President Of Pakistan? Decoding What His Moves Mean For India
Will Pakistan Army Chief Asim Munir soon dislodge President Asif Ali Zardari? Is this the beginning of a soft coup or just another conspiracy theory? For a country that has been under military rule for half of its existence since 1947, talks of a military coup are not new. But when a Pakistani Army Chief gets to meet the US President even before the country's Prime Minister, or when a former Prime Minister says the Army Chief is out to kill him, the rumours in the corridors of power are too loud to be ignored. Welcome to Pakistan, where its newly christened Field Marshall, Army Chief Asim Munir, spent two hours having lunch with US President Donald Trump in the White House last month. Now, Munir is going on a tour to Sri Lanka and Indonesia to meet the top leadership there — sans his Prime Minister, Shehbaz Sharif. That's not all, Pakistan's former Prime Minister Imran Khan is lodged in Adiala Jail and says that if anything happens to him, Munir must be held accountable. Is General Asim Munir eyeing full power in Islamabad? Will he soon dislodge President Asif Ali Zardari and become the President? Is this the beginning of a soft coup or just another conspiracy theory? PM Sharif responded: 'There is no plan, no desire to be the President on part of Munir." But Sharif also knows there are precedents. Munir became Field Marshal recently — only the second time in history after Ayub Khan. Ayub, of course, went on to the become dictator-president. So, the talk in the region now is: Is Munir the next Ayub? Sharif's denial has only added more fuel to the fire. Why Asim Munir is powerful Munir has held every key post in Pakistan: DG ISI, DG Military Intelligence, Corps Commander, and now the Army Chief. Munir accompanied Pakistan PM Sharif on a string of high-level visits to Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, Türkiye, Iran, and Azerbaijan in May and June. But since then, his diplomacy tour is only about him. A Field Marshall portraying to all who really calls the shots in Pakistan. The Pakistani Military on July 10 issued a rare public statement on Munir's US trip, usually the domain of the country's foreign ministry. The rare and exclusive luncheon at the White House with President Donald Trump in the Cabinet Room and the Oval Room in June underlined why this was significant — the US also realises that Munir is the one it needs to deal with. The Pakistan PM, interestingly, is still to meet Trump. Earlier, during the height of Operation Sindoor, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio called Munir to stand down, not PM Sharif. India watching closely A military-dominated Pakistan under Munir is not going to be good news for New Delhi. India sees Munir as the brain behind the Pahalgam terror attack. India sees him as the one who propagates the two-nation theory, calls Kashmir Pakistan's 'jugular vein", and who underlines differences between Hindus and Muslims. Who, in short, is the face of Pakistan's state-sponsored terror, when it comes to India. So is there a coup? How long will the civilian facade last? It may not happen, but the military under Munir will dominate from behind the scenes – be it the elections, or foreign policy. Get breaking news, in-depth analysis, and expert perspectives on everything from politics to crime and society. Stay informed with the latest India news only on News18. Download the News18 App to stay updated! view comments First Published: News india Will Army Chief Asim Munir Be Next President Of Pakistan? Decoding What His Moves Mean For India Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
New Indian Express
3 days ago
- Sport
- New Indian Express
Mooen, CSK, and Dhoni through the eyes of father Munir Ali
MANCHESTER: Moeen Ali represented Chennai Super Kings in four IPL seasons starting from 2021 winning two titles - one each in the first year and 2023. He was the third leading scorer for them in his maiden season scoring 357 runs from 15 matches. It was during that edition, he was given an opportunity to bat at No 3 and the English all-rounder made the most of it turning it to be his most successful IPL stint so far. Munir Ali, Moeen's father, said IPL played a big role in Moeen's growth as a cricketer and affirmed it was skipper MS Dhoni and CSK that used the all-rounder to the best of his potential. "Playing him at No 3 was the best thing that happened to him when he was with CSK. I always say Moeen as a batting all-rounder but hardly he was used in that capacity while playing for England. CSK rightly promoted him up the order and it augured well both for him and the team," father Munir told this daily. The 30-year-old all-rounder played his first three IPL seasons for Royal Challengers Bengaluru before being bought by five-time champions. Munir, who left no stone unturned to make sure Moeen makes it big at the international level, said his son learnt a lot from skipper Dhoni, which eventually helped him when he captained a few sides in England.
