Pakistan Strengthens Ties with US During Trump Era: Eldar Mamedov

Washington — Renowned foreign policy expert Eldar Mamedov has highlighted key developments in Pakistan–US relations during the Trump presidency in his article for The National Interest.

According to Mamedov, Pakistan successfully improved its position in Washington by gaining the confidence of President Donald Trump. During a speech in Congress, Trump even praised Pakistan’s role in counter-terrorism efforts, a rare acknowledgment from a U.S. leader.

Mamedov notes that new supporters of Pakistan emerged in Washington, strengthening Islamabad’s diplomatic standing. He recalls the May Kashmir incident, where India launched an attack on Pakistan. In response, Pakistan shot down Indian jets. The four-day conflict ended after Trump intervened to de-escalate tensions, and Pakistan refrained from escalating the war further.

Pakistan welcomed Trump’s mediation, even proposing him for the Nobel Peace Prize. Although India denied Trump’s role, Pakistan had already secured a diplomatic advantage.

The article further states that while Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi could not visit Washington, Trump invited Field Marshal Asim Munir to the White House. Trump was reportedly impressed by Asim Munir’s steadfast and balanced approach, and their relationship soon developed into what Mamedov described as a “bromance.”

During this period, the U.S. signed major economic agreements with Pakistan, while at the same time Trump imposed additional tariffs on India, pushing New Delhi closer to Beijing and Moscow. This pressure ultimately forced Modi to visit Beijing for the first time in seven years.

Despite this shift, Eldar Mamedov raises a critical question: Has Washington truly changed its policy toward Pakistan, or are these just temporary signals?