Web desk: A recent report by the renowned British publication Financial Times has described the growing diplomatic closeness between Pakistan and US President Donald Trump as a “surprising development,” which India has expressed deep concern over, particularly in the context of regional tensions and trade imbalances.
The strategy included not only direct communication with the White House, but also direct communication with business circles around Trump, as well as focusing on offers in fields like digital currency, raw materials, and strategic partner issues.
This warmer relationship is already bearing fruit. Both nations are close to finalising a significant trade agreement that will improve Pakistan’s access to the US market, particularly benefiting the textile industry.
Minister of State for Finance Bilal Azhar Kayani confirmed that negotiations are in their final stages, with an aim to secure better tariffs for Pakistan’s key exports and open doors for US investment in energy, mining, and minerals.
Reports from Bloomberg highlight that Washington has already reduced a levy from 29 per cent to 19 per cent, which is a rate more favourable than those applied to other South Asian countries, including India and Bangladesh.
The United States remains Pakistan’s largest export market, with goods worth over Rs 14 trillion (around $5 billion) sent there in 2024, compared to imports from the US worth Rs 5.96 trillion ($2.1 billion).
The momentum in ties followed a critical meeting in June 2025, when Asim Munir held a two-hour private discussion with Trump shortly after a tense Pakistan–India military clash in May.
Pakistan downed several Indian jets but stopped short of a wider conflict, leading to a US and Gulf-mediated ceasefire.
Islamabad credited Trump for the peace breakthrough, even nominating him for the Nobel Peace Prize, though Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi dismissed his role in the mediation.
Diplomatic observers say Pakistan’s “crypto diplomacy” has been one of the most striking elements of this shift.
In April 2025, Trump-backed World Liberty Financial struck a deal with Pakistan’s Crypto Council. US envoy’s son Zach Wotkoff praised the tokenisation potential of Pakistan’s trillion-dollar mineral wealth, while Minister Bilal Bin Saqib impressed Trump’s inner circle in Washington.
Trump, in turn, promised to support the development of Pakistan’s oil reserves, with Islamabad offering investment opportunities in energy and mining.
International outlets, including the Financial Times, Bloomberg, and Fortune, note that India, facing 50 per cent US tariffs on oil purchases from Russia, is now under growing diplomatic and economic strain. Some experts draw parallels with the 1970s, when Pakistan played a key role in opening US-China relations.
Marvin Weinbaum of the Middle East Institute says Pakistan is now one of the rare countries maintaining balanced ties with multiple global powers, including the US, China, and Iran.
But others warn that the success may be temporary. Former ambassador Husain Haqqani believes Trump views Pakistan largely as a card to play against India.
Asia Pacific Foundation’s Michael Kugelman calls the current climate a “renaissance” in relations but admits the pace of change is surprising.
Away from geopolitics, Pakistan’s economic crisis remains severe. Fortune reports the rupee has been sliding sharply, capital flight is accelerating, and debt burdens are becoming unmanageable.
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