For the first time in history, a U.S. president extended an invitation to the Chief of Army Staff of Pakistan for a lunch meeting. Field Marshal Asim Munir, the invited guest, marked this extraordinary occasion which unfortunately may potentially exacerbate a dispute with India. The disagreement stemmed from the claim that the recent skirmishes between the nuclear rival neighbours of South Asia had been resolved last month.
In the meeting, a diverse range of topics were on the menu of discussion, including Iran, a nation Pakistan possesses substantial insights about. The recent conclusion of the conflict with India was also a point of discourse which Indian Prime Minister had commended. He stated that ‘The decision to halt the war by two intelligent individuals potentially saved the region from a catastrophic nuclear conflict’.
Their conversation was not limited to political dramas. They also explored areas of trade, economic expansion, and the growing phenomenon of cryptocurrency in the two-hour long dialogue. Expressing views surrounding the escalating tensions between the nations of Israel and Iran also formed a part of their crucial exchange.
Given that a section of Pakistan’s embassy in Washington functions as a representation for Iranian interests, anticipation was high for a critique of Israel’s aerial bombardments on Iran. It was argued these were in violation of international codes and potentially destabilizing for the region.
This meeting unfolds a new chapter in the ties between the U.S. and Pakistan. The relationship, which had remained somewhat dormant under the regime of President Trump and his predecessor as they wooed India in a strategic bid against China, has received a significant boost.
Interestingly, the President has also publicly praised Indian Prime Minister Modi in the past. Plans have been discussed to strike a trade agreement with him. Furthermore, it is believed that the cessation of hostilities between India and Pakistan was a result of the President’s persuasive tactics.
Contrary to the aforementioned, Modi communicated to the U.S. President that the ceasefire was a result of direct dialogue between the militaries of India and Pakistan. According to India’s top diplomat, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri, no third-party mediation was necessary for the resolution of conflict.
The communication was the first direct interaction since the explosive event between May 7th and May 10th. These days marked the most intense battle between India and Pakistan in several decades.
The ignition spark of the conflict was an incident on April 22nd in the part of Kashmir administered by India. This unfortunate event claimed the lives of 26 people. New Delhi pointed fingers at Pakistan, asserting that they supported the ‘terrorists’ who were responsible for this tragedy. Islamabad, however, has rigorously denied these accusations.
Pakistan has asserted that the ceasefire was a result of them responding to an outreach from the Indian military. The hostilities included the operational deployment of advanced weaponry such as fighter jets, missiles, drones, and artillery during a period of intense hostility that lasted four days.