US ‘India First’ Era Ends, Pakistan Gains Strategic Importance: Washington Times

According to a report by the Washington Times, 2025 has been marked as a year of revolutionary change and a decisive turning point in Pakistan-US relations. The report states that “an extraordinary shift has occurred in Washington’s South Asia policy, effectively ending the ‘India First’ era and giving Pakistan clear precedence.”

The article highlights a surprising change in former US President Donald Trump’s Pakistan policy, which was influenced by the brief but intense Pakistan-India conflict in May. The conflict, the report explains, “altered the direction of US policy and redrew the strategic map for the region.”

The Washington Times also includes a detailed analysis of the relationship between Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir and Donald Trump. “Pakistan, previously considered an undesirable state for the US, has now become a partner country, and the rapid shift in American perception of Pakistan is a rare and unique development,” the report states.

Trump’s new South Asia policy positions Pakistan as a central pillar. The first significant thaw in Pakistan-US relations came through covert counter-terrorism exchanges, followed by Trump’s unexpected praise for Pakistan during a national address in March. This recognition gradually shifted US policy, the report notes.

The May conflict with India marked a decisive turning point, as “Pakistan’s military performance, discipline, and strategic focus surprised President Trump, exceeding American expectations.” Following the conflict, Pakistan began to be seen as a serious regional actor once again.

The report highlights that the US strategic map for South Asia was redrawn post-May conflict, with Pakistan emerging as “an anchor asset for Washington’s South Asia vision,” and its military modernization gaining global significance.

Changes were also made in command structure, including activating the Chief of Defence Forces position, prominently held by Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir. The article praises his leadership as army chief, noting his recognition at strategic levels in the US.

The Washington Times reported that India’s lukewarm response to the ceasefire displeased Trump, while Pakistan accepted mediation with “appreciation and gratitude.” Field Marshal Asim Munir emerged as a star in Trump’s inner circle, with their relationship semi-humorously referred to as a “bromance.”

The report describes Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir with titles such as Disciplined Dark Horse and Deliberate Mystery, noting his historic red-carpet welcome at CENTCOM headquarters and high-level strategic discussions with US military leadership.

The article also mentions Pakistan’s growing role in discreet channels involving Iran, potential key involvement related to Gaza, and an overall elevated regional profile, while “the era of ‘India First’ in Washington is over.”

Finally, the Washington Times emphasized that the sustainability of the new US policy will depend on the actions of Delhi and Islamabad, but “this year, Pakistan and Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir have played a key role in rewriting American policy and the South Asian balance.”