Trump to Host Pakistan's Army Chief Amid Rising Tensions
Meeting Between Trump and General Munir
On Wednesday, U.S. President Donald Trump is scheduled to have lunch with General Asim Munir, the Chief of Army Staff of Pakistan, as indicated in the president's public agenda. This meeting comes at a time when the U.S. administration declined to invite Munir to the 250th anniversary celebrations of the U.S. Army. According to the public schedule, Trump will meet with the Pakistani army chief at 1 PM in the Cabinet Room.
General Munir's Visit to the U.S.
General Asim Munir's Official Trip to the U.S.
As reported by local media, during his visit, Munir is expected to meet with Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth. This meeting occurs against the backdrop of escalating tensions between Israel and Iran, alongside calls from the U.S. for Tehran to surrender unconditionally. Meanwhile, a senior Pakistani military official has stated that Islamabad has assured Tehran of a nuclear response if Israel employs nuclear missiles.
Strengthening U.S.-Pakistan Military Relations?
Is the U.S.-Pakistan Military Relationship Strengthening?
General Munir's visit marks the beginning of a five-day official trip to the U.S. However, reports clarify that this visit is not officially linked to the U.S. Army's 250th anniversary celebrations on June 14, but rather aims to enhance military and strategic ties between the two nations. During Munir's visit, several supporters of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) gathered outside the Pakistani embassy on Saturday afternoon, protesting for "unrestricted democracy" in Pakistan.
Political Reactions in India Regarding Munir's Visit
Political Reactions Emerge in India
In response to the news of President Trump inviting General Asim Munir for lunch, the Congress party claimed on Wednesday that Indian diplomacy is faltering while Prime Minister Narendra Modi remains silent. According to the schedule released by the White House for Trump's activities on Wednesday, he will host the Pakistani general for lunch in the Cabinet Room.
Congress Critiques Modi's Silence
Congress leader Jairam Ramesh posted on social media, stating, "Field Marshal Asim Munir, whose provocative comments are directly linked to the April 22 Pulwama terrorist attacks, has been invited to lunch at the White House with President Trump today." He questioned whether this was the reason Trump left the G7 summit a day earlier and refused to embrace Modi.
Ramesh further noted that Trump has claimed 14 times that he facilitated a "ceasefire" between India and Pakistan, implying he ended 'Operation Sindoor.' He added, "General Michael Kurilla, head of U.S. Central Command, has described Pakistan as an unprecedented partner in counter-terrorism operations." Ramesh concluded, stating that the invitation to Munir is a significant blow to Indian diplomacy, while Modi remains completely silent.