Pakistan’s Army Chief Played Big Role in Ceasefire, Says Trump

In a surprising development during a rare White House meeting, former U.S. President Donald Trump publicly recognized Pakistan Army Chief General Asim Munir for his crucial role in defusing tensions between India and Pakistan. Trump said Munir was “extremely influential in stopping it,” referring to a potentially explosive April conflict between the two nuclear-armed neighbors.

• Historic lunch meeting: Trump hosted General Munir at the White House—the first-ever for a Pakistani army chief without civilian officials

• Ceasefire “credit”: Trump credited Munir for helping to end the India‑Pakistan skirmish in early May 

• Dual leadership praised: Trump acknowledged both Munir and Indian PM Modi, calling them “brilliant people” who avoided a nuclear conflict 

• Diplomatic friction: Modi’s office soon clarified that no U.S. mediation took place—the military leaders reached the ceasefire bilaterally 

• Broader agenda: Discussion topics included Iran‑Israel tensions, trade with Pakistan and India, and U.S.–Pakistan security cooperation

• On May 7–10, Pakistan and India exchanged airstrikes, drone raids, and artillery, prompting concerns of nuclear escalation 

• An "off-ramp" ceasefire came into effect at 5 p.m. local time on May 10, initiated by direct military communications.

Indian foreign secretary asserted the ceasefire was achieved bilaterally between Modi and Munir; no U.S. mediation, no trade-for-peace deals were involved

• Munir’s White House appearance, the first since 2001, signals renewed U.S.–Pakistan security dialogue 

• Topics included counterterrorism, trade, and regional security challenges.

• The incident underscores India’s sensitivity to third-party mediation in Kashmir, reaffirming preferred bilateral routes 

• Pakistan’s military-led diplomacy highlights the army’s role in South Asian foreign policy.

• Ceasefire calmed nuclear-era tensions, with global leaders—including Riyadh, Beijing, UAE, and the U.K.—backing restraint.

• Strategic analyst:

  “Munir’s visit to the White House is a rare signal that the U.S. values direct military diplomacy in South Asia.”

• Diplomatic scholar:

  “The ceasefire shows bilateral military channels remain the most trusted route, despite U.S. claims.”

• Trade Momentum: Trump spoke of the looming “trade deals” feasibility depends on regional politics and U.S. policy continuity.

• Pakistan’s Balancing Act: With ties strengthening both with the U.S. and China, Islamabad must navigate strategic partnerships carefully.

• Future Military Talks: Both militaries are expected to maintain direct communication channels to prevent escalation.

• International Scrutiny: Future multilateral summits may revisit ceasefire talks and the role of third parties like the U.S. and Gulf mediators.

• Munir's elevated global role: His extension until 2027 emphasizes his influence on economic and security issues.

• Strategic recalibration: The U.S. shift toward re-engaging Pakistan’s army marks an important pivot.

• Dual leverage: Pakistan may use its influence to impact discussions on Iran‑Israel and Indian Ocean security, alongside diplomacy.

While Donald Trump credited General Munir for playing a "big role" in preventing an India–Pakistan war, both New Delhi and Islamabad maintain that the ceasefire resulted from direct bilateral military coordination. Munir's White House visit signals renewed U.S. interest in Pakistan’s military leadership, with broader implications for regional diplomacy, economic partnerships, and strategic influence in South Asia.