Trump, Pakistan’s Sharif Discuss Trade, Security in White House Talks/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ President Donald Trump welcomed Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to the White House Thursday, signaling closer ties between Washington and Islamabad. The meeting covered trade, counterterrorism, and U.S. investment opportunities in Pakistan. The talks mark a contrast with Trump’s strained relationship with India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
US-Pakistan Relations Quick Looks
- Meeting Venue: White House, Thursday evening.
- Attendees: Sharif, army chief Field Marshal Asim Munir.
- Agenda: Trade, investment, counterterrorism, regional security.
- Sharif’s Praise: Called Trump a “man of peace.”
- Ceasefire Credit: Trump facilitated May truce between Pakistan and India.
- Trade Deal: July agreement to expand oil exploration, reduce tariffs.
- Invitation Extended: Sharif invited Trump for official Pakistan visit.
- India Factor: US-India ties strained over Russian oil purchases.
- Regional Differences: Pakistan opposed Trump’s June strikes on Iran.
- Future Outlook: Trump hints at renewed trade talks with Modi.
Deep Look: Trump and Sharif Hold White House Talks as US-Pakistan Ties Improve
President Donald Trump hosted Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif at the White House on Thursday, highlighting a notable warming in U.S.-Pakistan relations amid shifting regional dynamics and strained ties between Washington and New Delhi.
Sharif’s visit followed his participation at the United Nations General Assembly, where he joined leaders from several Arab and Muslim-majority nations in discussions with Trump on the war in Gaza. His White House stop underscored Islamabad’s growing engagement with the U.S. after years of fluctuating relations.
Improved Ties With Washington
Relations between the United States and Pakistan have strengthened in recent months as Trump’s once-close partnership with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has cooled. India’s decision to sharply increase purchases of discounted Russian oil after Moscow’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine drew Trump’s ire. In response, Washington imposed steep tariffs—some as high as 50%—on Indian goods.
By contrast, Trump has rewarded Pakistan with a July trade agreement designed to expand U.S. investment in Pakistan’s oil reserves while lowering tariffs on Pakistani exports.
White House Talks
Sharif arrived at the White House late Thursday afternoon, accompanied by Pakistan’s army chief, Field Marshal Asim Munir. According to a statement from his office, Sharif hailed Trump as a “man of peace,” crediting the U.S. president with helping broker a May ceasefire between India and Pakistan—the most serious confrontation between the nuclear-armed rivals in decades.
During the closed-door talks, Sharif thanked Trump for easing tariffs and encouraged U.S. companies to invest in Pakistan’s agriculture, technology, mining, and energy sectors. Both leaders also pledged continued cooperation against terrorism, with Sharif inviting Trump to make an official visit to Pakistan.
Pakistan’s Support for Trump
Sharif has positioned himself as a Trump ally, even endorsing Trump for a Nobel Peace Prize for his role in mediating between Islamabad and New Delhi. This posture has helped win favor in Washington, contrasting with Modi’s refusal to credit Trump for brokering the ceasefire.
The ceasefire came after weeks of cross-border clashes involving missile and drone strikes, triggered by a massacre of tourists in India that New Delhi blamed on Pakistan—a charge Islamabad has denied.
Areas of Disagreement
Despite improving ties, Pakistan opposed Trump’s June airstrikes on Iranian nuclear facilities, calling them a violation of international law and a blow to the credibility of the International Atomic Energy Agency.
Nevertheless, Trump’s administration views Pakistan as a valuable counterbalance in South Asia at a time when India is deepening ties with Russia and China. A widely circulated photo of Modi with Vladimir Putin and Xi Jinping at a summit in Tianjin drew sharp comments from Trump, who posted:
“Looks like we’ve lost India and Russia to deepest, darkest China.”
Looking Ahead
Although Trump has leaned closer to Pakistan, he has not closed the door on India. Just last week, he expressed optimism about reviving trade talks with Modi, calling him a “very good friend.” Trump indicated both nations could resolve tariff disputes in the “upcoming weeks.”
For now, however, the symbolism of Sharif’s White House visit marks a turning point: Pakistan appears to be emerging as a more reliable partner for Washington, while India navigates its delicate balance with Russia and China.
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