US President Donald Trump hosted Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif at the White House, marking a significant moment in the warming of relations between the United States and Pakistan, a nuclear-armed South Asian nation. The visit, which included Pakistan’s influential army chief, Field Marshal Asim Munir, highlighted the growing ties between Washington and Islamabad. Trump praised both leaders, calling them “great leaders” ahead of their meeting.
Sharif arrived at the White House just before 5 pm local time, entering through the West Executive Avenue, where senior administration officials greeted him. Accompanied by Field Marshal Munir, Sharif’s Oval Office meeting with Trump was closed to the press, marking his first-ever interaction with a US president in this capacity.
The visit was historic for Pakistan, as it was the first time a Pakistani prime minister had entered the Oval Office since Imran Khan’s visit in July 2019.
The discussions were expected to cover a broad range of topics, including bilateral relations, trade, regional security, and global challenges, reflecting the multifaceted nature of the US-Pakistan relationship. The meeting capped a busy week for Sharif in the United States, where he had earlier participated in a joint meeting with leaders from eight Arab and Muslim nations alongside Trump on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly. That meeting focused on efforts to end the Israel-Hamas war in Gaza.
Trump’s Praise and Deepening Ties
Speaking to reporters in the Oval Office, Trump lauded Sharif and Munir, stating, “We have a great leader coming, the Prime Minister of Pakistan and the Field Marshal. Field Marshal is a very great guy, and so is the Prime Minister, both, and they’re coming, and they may be in this room right now.”
This public endorsement underscored the strengthening bond between the two nations, a notable shift from Trump’s earlier criticisms of Pakistan. In the past, he had labelled Pakistan a “safe haven” for terrorists and accused it of deceiving the US, making the current bonhomie particularly significant.
The warming of ties follows a series of engagements, including a lunch hosted by Trump for Field Marshal Munir in June 2025. Shortly after, Munir nominated Trump for the Nobel Peace Prize, with Islamabad citing his role in mediating a ceasefire between India and Pakistan in May 2025.
Sharif has also publicly supported Trump’s Nobel nomination, further solidifying their rapport. In July, the US and Pakistan finalised a trade deal allowing American assistance in developing Pakistan’s untapped oil reserves while reducing tariffs on Pakistani exports, according to news media.
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Contrast with India and Ongoing Trade Talks
The strengthening US-Pakistan relationship contrasts with recent strains in Trump’s ties with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022, India’s increased purchases of Russian oil have prompted Trump to impose tariffs of up to 50 per cent on Indian goods, including a 25 per cent “penalty” for its energy trade with Moscow. These measures were described as an effort to curb Russia’s wartime revenue. Unlike Sharif, Modi has resisted crediting Trump for the India-Pakistan ceasefire, maintaining that it was achieved through direct bilateral talks.
Despite these tensions, Trump signalled optimism about future negotiations with India. Last week, he posted on Truth Social, “I look forward to speaking with my very good friend, Prime Minister Modi, in the upcoming weeks. I feel certain that there will be no difficulty in coming to a successful conclusion for both of our Great Countries!” This suggests ongoing efforts to mend trade relations and address diplomatic differences.
Sharif’s White House visit and the deepening US-Pakistan partnership reflect a strategic realignment in the region, driven by trade agreements, diplomatic engagements, and shared interests, even as Trump navigates complex dynamics with other global leaders.
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