Pak-US reset?

SINCE early 2025, Pakistan’s relations with the US have taken an upturn after years of mutual disenchantment. Why did the US opt for this reset? And will this bonhomie last? Historically, Pakistan and the US have come close only when their interests converged. America has preferred a transactional relationship with Pakistan based on specific issues of its geopolitical agenda. The recent thaw in ties can, therefore, be better understood in terms of how global geopolitics is evolving. It is no longer a unipolar world led by the US. Since the dawn of this century, several centres of power have arisen while the US remains entangled in long, distant wars. The US reliance on its military might to subdue adversaries has taken a heavy toll on America’s world standing.

Into this evolving geometry of global power politics stepped Donald Trump, who has ruptured the trans-Atlantic alliance, pulled back support for Ukraine in its war against Russia, and sought to stabilise America’s ties with China. However, nothing has compromised America’s domestic and international standing more than the recent US-Iran war. As for Pakistan-US ties, three developments seem to have contributed to the recent thaw. First is Pakistan’s role in countering terrorism. In March 2025, President Trump thanked Pakistan in his State of the Union address to Congress for apprehending the mastermind of a bombing in Kabul on the eve of the US exit from Afghanistan. Later, Centcom chief Gen Michael Kurilla described Pakistan to Congress as a “ phenomenal partner in the world of counterterrorism ”. In June 2025, Trump hosted Pakistan’s army chief for lunch at the White House. And in August, BLA was designated as a terrorist organisation by the US. Three developments seem to have contributed to the recent thaw.…