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First Post
14 hours ago
- Business
- First Post
Oil deal, Nobel nomination and more… Is Trump moving closer to Pakistan and further away from India?
Donald Trump has announced a fresh energy deal with Pakistan to jointly develop the country's oil reserves. Many view the deal with Islamabad as a reset of ties. Moreover, it comes at a time when the US president has levied a 25 per cent tariff on India along with a 'Russian penalty'. What does all this mean for the US-Indo relationship? read more US President Donald Trump has said that his administration has struck a trade deal with Pakistan, which include joint development of the country's "massive" oil reserves. Reuters 'They have given us nothing but lies and deceit,' Donald Trump had said about Pakistan in 2018. Now, in his second term, the US president, it seems, has done an about turn when it comes to Islamabad with ties between the two countries growing closer and closer. In fact, on Wednesday (July 30), US President Donald Trump announced that Washington has reached a deal with Islamabad to jointly develop the country's 'massive oil reserves,' in what he described as a major energy partnership. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The timing of the new deal with Pakistan won't be missed by many geopolitical observers; it came just hours after he announced a 25 per cent tariff on Indian products and said that 'an unspecified penalty' would also be imposed on India for buying Russian oil and weapons. The oil reserves deal is just the latest in the new dynamics of US-Pakistan ties. Experts note there's a reset taking place between Trump and the Asian country. But what does this mean for neighbouring India? Should we be worried? Trump's 'massive oil deal' with Pakistan On Wednesday, US President Donald Trump announced that his administration had struck a deal with Pakistan to develop the South Asian nation's oil reserves. 'We have just concluded a deal with the country of Pakistan, whereby Pakistan and the United States will work together on developing their massive oil reserves,' Trump wrote on social media. 'We are in the process of choosing the oil company that will lead this partnership,' he added. While further details remains unavailable on the deal, this marks the first high-level move by Islamabad to tap its large oil deposits along its coast. The oil deal also comes amid Pakistan's negotiations with the US over its trade deal. Last week, Pakistani Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar said the two were 'very close' to a trade deal that could come within days, after he met with Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Friday. Pakistan bestows high honour on US general However, the oil and trade deal is just one indicator that Islamabad and Washington are cosying up to one another. Just a few days ago, Pakistan awarded Nishan-e-Imtiaz (military), one of the country's highest state honours, to US Central Command (USCENTCOM) chief General Michael Kurilla. In a high-profile ceremony at the Presidential Palace in Islamabad, Pakistani President Asif Ali Zardari conferred the award on Kurilla for his role in promoting regional peace and enhancing US-Pakistan military ties, a symbolic and strategic signal to Washington. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Pakistan's President Asif Ali Zardari presenting military honor to General Kurilla. Image Courtesy: @clashreport/X The huge honour for Kurilla came weeks after the American general praised Islamabad as a 'phenomenal partner' in counter-terrorism. Munir's lunch with Trump The most notable indicator of a shift in ties between Trump and Pakistan came mid-June when Pakistan army chief General Asim Munir was hosted by the US president for a luncheon at the White House. This was the first time a US president hosted a military chief from Pakistan who isn't also the country's head of state. It's not clear what happened between the two behind closed doors, but White House spokeswoman Anna Kelly was quoted as saying that the meeting between the two came after the Pakistan army chief pitched Trump for the Nobel Peace Prize for his role in preventing a nuclear war between India and Pakistan. What is even more interesting is that Munir's lunch with Trump was followed up with Pakistan Air Force Chief Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu visiting Washington in the first week of July. He held high-level meetings at the Pentagon, State Department and Capitol Hill to 'further enhance bilateral defence cooperation and mutual interest'. Several analysts pointed that Sidhu's visit was with the aim of acquiring American military hardware; Pakistan hopes to acquire the American-built F-16 Block 70 fighter jets, AIM-7 Sparrow air-to-air missiles, and batteries of the US-made High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS). STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Trump's change of heart with Pakistan After years of diplomatic chill, Pakistan has rapidly rebuilt ties with the US under Trump. In fact, Trump's predecessor, Joe Biden, had distanced himself from Pakistan, refusing to call then-Prime Minister Imran Khan. However, shortly after coming to power in January, Trump changed it all; he even mentioned Pakistan, thanking the nation for its aid in the arrest of the Abbey Gate bombing mastermind, in his first address to a joint session of Congress on March 4. In recent months, the US under Donald Trump is cosying up to Pakistan. Representational image/Reuters Officials note that two key factors have helped Pakistan win Trump's favour — its embrace of cryptocurrency and partnering with World Liberty Financial, a firm linked to the Trump family, and nominating the US president for the 2026 Nobel Peace Prize. Operation Sindoor has also helped Pakistan cozy up to Trump. That's because while India has refuted claims that the US president helped broker a ceasefire between the two countries, Islamabad has acknowledged his role. As Arif Ansar, chief strategist at Washington-based advisory firm PoliTact, told Al Jazeera that Pakistan's military performance during the confrontation prompted Trump's engagement. 'It demonstrated that despite its political and economic challenges, the country can outmanoeuvre a much bigger adversary,' Ansar said. 'This has led President Trump to engage with Pakistan's traditional power centres based on core strategic interests.' STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD A concern for India The improving US-Pakistan ties come at a very critical time. While Trump is seemingly going soft on Islamabad, he's going hard at India. He has slapped 25 per cent tariffs on India and a 'Russia penalty'. In a post on his platform Truth Social, Trump said India's own protectionist policies over the years had meant America had 'done relatively little business with them'. 'Also, they have always bought a vast majority of their military equipment from Russia, and are Russia's largest buyer of energy, along with China, at a time when everyone wants Russia to stop the killing in Ukraine — all things not good!' he wrote. However, he did not clarify what exactly the 'penalty' would entail beyond the newly announced 25 per cent tariff. He later called India a 'friend', saying Washington was still negotiating with New Delhi and the situation would be clearer by the end of the week. 'They have one of the highest tariffs in the world now, they're willing to cut it very substantially… We're talking to India now — we'll see what happens … You'll know by the end of this week,' Trump said. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Experts also fear that increasing interaction between US and Pakistan could result in a re-hyphenation between India and Pakistan. Moreover, India can't afford to have Islamabad currying much favour with Washington as well as Beijing. This puts the country in a difficult position on the global stage. But observers also note that nothing is 'permanent in the Trump administration'. As Raza Ahmad Rumi, a distinguished lecturer at the City University of New York (CUNY) told Al Jazeera, 'Like past dalliances, it (US-Pakistan ties) could fade once strategic goals are met or regimes change.' We will have to wait and watch to see what comes next. With inputs from agencies
Economic Times
2 days ago
- Business
- Economic Times
Pakistan back in US calculus after years of isolation
ANI Pakistan's foreign minister Ishaq Dar Pakistan is back in US' decision-making circles after years of isolation amid intense lobbying by Islamabad and Washington's eagerness to reciprocate, notwithstanding its robust ties with India. From being courted by the US State Department for "anti-terror" operations to praises heaped by the US Central Command head to a possible trade deal, Islamabad has been able to make inroads into the Trump administration. Field Marshal Asim Munir's lunch meeting with Trump was the icing on the cake following which New Delhi raised the issue with Washington, people familiar with the matter hinted the US being deeply involved in working out trade deals globally, Pakistan has claimed that it is "very close" to an agreement that could come within days. However, the US has not presented any such timeline. "I think we are very close to finalising a deal with the US. Our teams have been here in Washington, discussing, having virtual meetings and a committee has been tasked by the prime minister to fine-tune now," Pakistan foreign minister Ishaq Dar said in a discussion at the Atlantic Council think tank in Washington last week. "It's not going to be months, not even weeks, I would say (just) days," he US State Department and Pakistan's foreign ministry, in separate statements after secretary of state Marco Rubio's meeting with Dar, said the two stressed in their discussion the importance of expanding trade and ties in critical minerals and mining.A post by Rubio on X after the meeting and the State Department's statement mentioned no timeline for finalising a trade deal. Sources familiar with Pakistan claimed that Islamabad has the habit of making tall and unsubstantiated claims while reality could be far from the truth. Pakistan's economy is staring at a crisis and a trade deal with the US may not boost the country's economic growth, the sources said. The US Central Command based in the Gulf has historically worked closely with Pakistan since the Cold War era. And last weekend, US Central Command chief General Michael Kurilla was conferred 'Nishan-e-Imtiaz (Military)' by the Pakistan President. The US general had recently backed Pakistan as a "phenomenal partner in countering terror". The honour for Kurilla coincided with the Pakistan foreign minister's visit to Washington. Rubio also thanked Dar for "Pakistan's partnership in countering terrorism and preserving regional stability". The two discussed harnessing Pakistan's critical minerals. The US is reportedly interested in acquiring antimony from Pakistan. Antimony is a metalloid used in various industries, including flame retardants, batteries, semiconductors, and even military claim that Pakistan has wooed the US through crypto business and the nomination of President Donald Trump for the Nobel Peace Prize.
Time of India
3 days ago
- Business
- Time of India
Pakistan back in US calculus after years of isolation
Pakistan is re-entering US decision-making circles after a period of isolation, marked by high-level meetings and discussions on trade and security. Despite skepticism and economic challenges, Pakistan claims to be nearing a trade deal with the US, focusing on critical minerals. The US acknowledges Pakistan's counter-terrorism efforts and regional stability role, with potential interest in acquiring antimony. Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads Pakistan is back in US' decision-making circles after years of isolation amid intense lobbying by Islamabad and Washington's eagerness to reciprocate, notwithstanding its robust ties with being courted by the US State Department for "anti-terror" operations to praises heaped by the US Central Command head to a possible trade deal, Islamabad has been able to make inroads into the Trump Marshal Asim Munir's lunch meeting with Trump was the icing on the cake following which New Delhi raised the issue with Washington, people familiar with the matter hinted the US being deeply involved in working out trade deals globally, Pakistan has claimed that it is "very close" to an agreement that could come within days. However, the US has not presented any such timeline."I think we are very close to finalising a deal with the US. Our teams have been here in Washington, discussing, having virtual meetings and a committee has been tasked by the prime minister to fine-tune now," Pakistan foreign minister Ishaq Dar said in a discussion at the Atlantic Council think tank in Washington last week."It's not going to be months, not even weeks, I would say (just) days," he US State Department and Pakistan's foreign ministry, in separate statements after secretary of state Marco Rubio's meeting with Dar, said the two stressed in their discussion the importance of expanding trade and ties in critical minerals and mining.A post by Rubio on X after the meeting and the State Department's statement mentioned no timeline for finalising a trade deal. Sources familiar with Pakistan claimed that Islamabad has the habit of making tall and unsubstantiated claims while reality could be far from the truth. Pakistan's economy is staring at a crisis and a trade deal with the US may not boost the country's economic growth, the sources US Central Command based in the Gulf has historically worked closely with Pakistan since the Cold War era. And last weekend, US Central Command chief General Michael Kurilla was conferred ' Nishan-e-Imtiaz (Military)' by the Pakistan President. The US general had recently backed Pakistan as a "phenomenal partner in countering terror".The honour for Kurilla coincided with the Pakistan foreign minister's visit to Washington. Rubio also thanked Dar for "Pakistan's partnership in countering terrorism and preserving regional stability". The two discussed harnessing Pakistan's critical minerals. The US is reportedly interested in acquiring antimony from Pakistan. Antimony is a metalloid used in various industries, including flame retardants, batteries, semiconductors, and even military claim that Pakistan has wooed the US through crypto business and the nomination of President Donald Trump for the Nobel Peace Prize.
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First Post
5 days ago
- Business
- First Post
Pakistan confers key honour on US CentCom chief who praised its counterterror role
US CENTCOM chief General Michael Kurilla has been awarded Pakistan's top military honour, the Nishan-e-Imtiaz (Military), by President Asif Ali Zardari, signalling Islamabad's intent to strengthen defence ties with Washington amid growing geopolitical and financial pressures. read more US Central Command (CENTCOM) chief General Michael Kurilla has been awarded the Nishan-e-Imtiaz (Military), one of Pakistan's highest state honours, by President Asif Ali Zardari, in a move seen as a signal of Islamabad's commitment to its defence ties with Washington. The award was presented during a high-profile ceremony at the Presidential Palace in Islamabad, where Kurilla was also given a Tri-Services Guard of Honour. The Pakistani government cited Kurilla's contributions to regional peace, counterterrorism, and efforts to strengthen strategic military cooperation between Pakistan and the US. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD State broadcaster Radio Pakistan noted the honour recognised Kurilla's 'outstanding role in regional security and defence ties.' His visit included meetings with key military and political figures, including President Zardari and Army Chief General Asim Munir, focusing on defence cooperation and counterterrorism strategies. The development comes just over a month after Kurilla praised Pakistan as a 'phenomenal partner' in counterterrorism, remarks made even as India stepped up diplomatic efforts to highlight Pakistan's record on terror financing, particularly after the Pahalgam terror attack. Diplomatic sources say the gesture is part of Pakistan's broader effort to maintain strategic balance between the US and China, and to rebuild goodwill in Washington amid ongoing concerns related to the Financial Action Task Force (FATF). Pakistan was removed from FATF's grey list in 2022, but scrutiny remains, especially from countries like India, which continues to press for action over Islamabad's alleged inaction on terror networks. The US, a founding member of FATF, plays a key role in shaping its policies. Pakistan's outreach, through high-profile honours and military cooperation, is seen as an attempt to maintain favour with Washington, especially amid its economic dependence on IMF bailouts and lingering FATF-related challenges. 'Pakistan is sending a subtle message—it may be close to China, but it still values its ties with the US,' a diplomatic source said to Hindustan Times, adding that CENTCOM's role remains central to America's post-Afghanistan military strategy in the region.
News18
5 days ago
- Business
- News18
Pakistan Shows Loyalty To US Amid FATF Concerns, Bestows Highest State Honour On CENTCOM Chief
Last Updated: Pakistan has awarded US Central Command chief General Michael Kurilla with Nishan-e-Imtiaz, in an attempt to show loyalty to the United States amid FATF grey listing concerns. In a move showing its loyalty towards the United States amid brewing FATF concerns, Pakistan awarded Nishan-e-Imtiaz (Military), one of the country's highest state honours, to US Central Command (USCENTCOM) chief General Michael Kurilla. In a high-profile ceremony at the Presidential Palace in Islamabad, Pakistani President Asif Ali Zardari conferred the award on Kurilla for his role in promoting regional peace and enhancing US-Pakistan military ties, a symbolic and strategic signal to Washington. General Kurilla held extended meetings with Pakistan's top civil and military brass, including President Zardari and COAS Field Marshal Gen. Asim Munir, discussing regional peace, defence cooperation, and counterterrorism strategies. According to diplomatic sources, by conferring the highest military honour, Pakistan is showing loyalty and alignment with the US defence establishment. Pakistan's gesture comes in the ongoing IMF dependency and FATF legacy concerns, where it was placed in the grey list in June 2018 and removed in October 2022. The US is one of the original founding members of the Financial Action Task Force (FATF), established in 1989. America plays a significant role in shaping FATF's policies, standards, and country reviews, especially on matters of terror financing and proliferation. India has intensified its diplomatic efforts to pressure FATF to reverse Pakistan's exit from the grey list, citing the neighbour's ongoing failures in curbing terror financing after the Pahalgam terror attack. Pakistan's gesture of awarding the USCENTCOM helps rebuild its image with Washington and will help financial goodwill via back channels, sources said. 'Pakistan is playing a double side as on one side they are dependent on China, Islamabad is sending subtle signals that it's not entirely dependent on China now," they added. CENTCOM remains crucial for post-Afghan regional military strategy for the US after its exit from the country in 2021. Pakistan is reasserting its role as a logistics and intelligence partner for the US in the AfPak–West Asia corridor – which refers to a set of proposed and evolving transport and trade corridors connecting Afghanistan, Pakistan, and the broader West Asia region. 'Pakistan's military views CENTCOM ties as a key source of legitimacy, training, arms, and prestige and awarding Kurilla helps its purpose," sources said. view comments First Published: July 27, 2025, 08:20 IST 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.
