U.S. President Donald Trump has once again drawn global attention after praising Pakistan’s Army Chief, Field Marshal Asim Munir, calling him a “great fighter” and “true leader” during a business dinner in Japan on Tuesday.
Trump’s unexpected remarks have stirred debate in diplomatic and intelligence circles, with analysts suggesting a possible shift in U.S. policy from India toward Pakistan.
The former president recounted the May 2025 military confrontation between India and Pakistan, claiming that seven fighter jets were shot down during the exchange. He credited his trade and tariff policies for preventing a full-scale war between the two nuclear-armed neighbors.
“Seven beautiful, brand-new planes were shot down. I spoke to Prime Minister Modi, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif — a very good man — and the Field Marshal in Pakistan, Asim Munir. I said, ‘If you keep fighting, we’re not doing trade.’ Within 24 hours, it ended. Amazing, really,” Trump said.
He further asserted that “trade stopped wars,” emphasizing that his economic approach helped avert a catastrophe in South Asia.
The May 2025 conflict erupted following an attack on Hindu pilgrims in occupied Kashmir, which India blamed on Pakistan. Islamabad rejected the claims, calling them “fabricated and politically motivated.” Over four tense days, both sides exchanged fighter jet strikes, drone attacks, and artillery fire, resulting in dozens of casualties before a ceasefire was brokered.
Pakistan maintains it downed six Indian aircraft, including a French-made Rafale, while India acknowledged limited losses but disputed Islamabad’s claims.
Trump’s recent comments — particularly his admiration for Asim Munir and his warm description of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif — have stunned observers, with many seeing it as an indicator of a potential U.S.-Pakistan rapprochement that could reshape South Asia’s geopolitical balance for years to come.
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