Pakistan Strengthens Role Amid US-India Tensions

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Analysis article by Naeem Mehboob:

Islamabad : The return of Donald Trump to the White House in January 2025 has reshaped regional dynamics in South Asia. While Indian officials initially expressed that they were “not worried” about Trump’s return, subsequent developments suggest that India-US relations have not warmed significantly. Trade disputes, including tariffs imposed on India, and tensions following the May 2025 India-Pakistan episode, have contributed to a cautious stance in bilateral ties.

Pakistan, in contrast, has played a constructive and strategic role in this evolving scenario. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s participation in the official launch of Trump’s “Board of Peace” in Davos, alongside Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, highlights Islamabad’s proactive engagement with the United States. The initiative, aimed at Gaza reconstruction, offered Pakistan a platform to demonstrate leadership in regional peace and humanitarian efforts.

India’s absence from the Board of Peace, despite Trump reportedly inviting New Delhi, underscores its current diplomatic distance. Pakistan has leveraged this opportunity to strengthen ties with the United States, signaling that it is capable of being a reliable partner in global peace and stability initiatives.

Key strategic takeaways:

1. Pakistan’s Diplomatic Agility: Islamabad has used the relative Indo-US tension to its advantage, improving engagement with Washington and promoting its role as a constructive regional actor.
2. Leadership in Peace Initiatives: By actively participating in the Board of Peace, Pakistan demonstrates its commitment to humanitarian causes and regional stability, enhancing its international image.
3. Proactive Regional Role: Pakistan is positioning itself as a mediator and facilitator in complex regional issues, balancing global expectations while addressing South Asian dynamics.

In conclusion, Pakistan’s strategic diplomacy and constructive approach in such situations reflect its growing role as a stabilizing force in South Asia, capable of bridging gaps between conflicting parties and promoting peace in the region.