Daijiworld Media Network - New York

New York, Aug 13: The United States has asserted that its diplomatic ties with both India and Pakistan remain strong, with State Department Spokesperson Tammy Bruce describing relations as “good” while defending President Donald Trump’s outreach to Pakistan’s military chief, General Asim Munir.

Bruce’s remarks came in response to a question about whether Trump’s growing rapport with Munir could strain ties with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

“Our relationship with both nations is as it has been, which is good,” Bruce stated at a press briefing on Tuesday. “That is the benefit of having a president who knows everyone, talks to everyone... and that is how we can bring differences together.”

She emphasised that the current administration remains committed to both countries and said ongoing dialogue and engagement are “good for the region and the world.”

US-Pakistan Counter-Terror Dialogue

Bruce pointed to the US-Pakistan Counter-Terrorism Dialogue held earlier on Tuesday in Islamabad, where both sides reaffirmed their commitment to fighting terrorism “in all its forms and manifestations.” She framed the discussions as part of a broader strategy for regional stability.

While she did not respond directly to questions about potential increased US arms sales or military aid to Pakistan, her remarks suggested that the dialogue is likely to deepen cooperation in security matters.

Trump-Munir Ties in Focus

Trump’s relationship with Pakistan’s de facto ruler, General Munir, has raised eyebrows. The two met at a White House lunch in June, where Trump credited Munir with “ending a war” — a reference to tensions following India’s Operation Sindoor, launched in retaliation for a deadly terror attack in Pahalgam in April. The attack was linked to The Resistance Front, a Lashkar-e-Taiba offshoot.

While Trump has taken credit for mediating a ceasefire, India has categorically denied any third-party involvement, stating the ceasefire was initiated directly between military officials on both sides.

Munir, however, nominated Trump for the Nobel Peace Prize, citing his “decisive” intervention.

US Pushes Narrative of Crisis Averted

Bruce reiterated that the Trump administration's rapid diplomatic action helped avert a larger conflict.

“There was immediate concern and immediate movement with the Vice President, the President, and the Secretary of State... to stop the attacks and then bring the parties together,” she said. “It’s a proud moment and a good example of what Secretary [Marco] Rubio is committed to.”

She added that the US response prevented what “could have developed into something quite horrible.”

A Delicate Balancing Act

Bruce, nominated to serve as the US Deputy Permanent Representative to the United Nations, defended Washington’s tightrope walk between two historic rivals. Her remarks highlight an ongoing effort to maintain strategic ties with both New Delhi and Islamabad — even as recent developments signal increased security coordination with Pakistan’s military establishment.

Whether this perceived tilt impacts India-US relations remains to be seen, but the Biden-Trump transitions and current global dynamics are placing renewed scrutiny on America’s balancing act in South Asia.