Trump hosts Pakistan PM Shehbaz Sharif at the White House in a meeting that highlights warming relations between Washington and Islamabad. The talks took place on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly and underscored Pakistan’s growing diplomatic importance for the U.S. amid regional tensions.
Trump hosts Pakistan PM after UN talks
Sharif was one of several Muslim leaders who met Trump this week to discuss ways to end the Israel-Hamas war in Gaza. His rising favor in Washington follows his public endorsement of Trump for a Nobel Peace Prize earlier this year, after U.S.-led mediation secured a ceasefire between Pakistan and India.
That deal, reached in May, ended weeks of clashes and cross-border strikes—the most serious confrontation between the two nuclear neighbors in decades. While Islamabad praised Trump for his role, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi refused to acknowledge U.S. involvement, further straining ties with Washington.
U.S.-India ties tested as Pakistan gains ground
The Trump hosts Pakistan PM meeting comes as U.S.-India relations face pressure. India’s expanded purchases of discounted Russian oil after Moscow’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine angered Washington. In response, Trump imposed tariffs of up to 50% on Indian goods.
Despite tensions, Trump recently expressed optimism about resolving trade issues with India, calling Modi his “very good friend.” Still, U.S.-Pakistan relations appear to be on a stronger trajectory.
Trade deal deepens cooperation
In July, the U.S. and Pakistan signed a trade agreement aimed at developing Pakistan’s untapped oil reserves and reducing tariffs for Islamabad. During his White House visit, Sharif described his talks with Trump as “very good,” while officials hinted at further cooperation on energy, security, and investment.
Differences remain over Iran
Even as Trump hosts Pakistan PM in a show of friendship, Islamabad continues to diverge from Washington on key issues. Pakistan strongly criticized U.S. strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities in June, calling them a breach of international law.
Still, analysts say the White House meeting signals a recalibration of U.S. strategy in South Asia, where Pakistan is emerging as a more reliable partner while U.S.-India ties cool.
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