In a bold and surprising statement following the NATO summit in The Hague, U.S. President Donald Trump heaped praise on Pakistan’s Chief of Army Staff, Field Marshal Asim Munir, calling him a “great person and an inspiring figure.”
Trump, addressing the media on Wednesday, revealed that a potential war between nuclear-armed neighbours Pakistan and India was averted due to behind-the-scenes diplomacy and trade pressure. “Both countries are nuclear powers, and the risk of conflict was very real,” Trump said. “But I made some important calls — and focused on one thing they both care about: trade.”
The president confirmed that he personally contacted Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and issued a blunt warning. “I told Modi: If the war continues, we stop trade negotiations. Period,” Trump stated. “And that’s how we ended it.”
Speaking further, Trump said the crisis wasn’t about countries trying to obtain nuclear weapons, like in the case of Iran or Israel. “This time, the danger was real — because nuclear-armed neighbours Pakistan and India already have those weapons,” he emphasised.
Trump credited Field Marshal Asim Munir for playing a critical role in de-escalating tensions. “That general from Pakistan, he’s truly impressive. He was in my office last week,” Trump said, referring to a rare high-level meeting at the White House, followed by a luncheon hosted in Munir’s honour. “It was an honour to meet him — I thanked him personally for helping prevent war with India.”
The U.S. leader also highlighted Pakistan’s strategic role in the Middle East, especially regarding Iran. “We talked about the Iran-Israel issue. Pakistan knows Iran better than we do. They’re a key player in maintaining peace in the region,” Trump explained.
During their one-on-one meeting in the Cabinet Room, both leaders discussed regional stability and possible avenues for economic cooperation. Trump confirmed that early negotiations for a trilateral trade deal involving the U.S., Pakistan, and India are underway. “Pakistan’s concerns are being heard, and we’re exploring opportunities for economic engagement,” he said.
Trump, who often boasts of his relationship with global leaders, reiterated his friendship with Indian PM Modi. “Modi is a good friend. But I told him clearly: no peace, no trade deal. He got the message — and said, ‘We want trade, not war.’”
As tensions simmered on the subcontinent, it appears strong diplomatic pressure and backchannel efforts — especially involving Field Marshal Asim Munir — helped cool down a potentially explosive situation. Trump’s rare acknowledgement of Pakistan’s top general underscores the shifting geopolitical calculus and the importance of strong regional diplomacy.
