Diplomatic Setback for India: US Praises Pakistan’s Counter-Terrorism Efforts

The Indian government is facing a diplomatic dilemma after a top United States military official praised Pakistan’s counter-terrorism efforts, leaving many to wonder what this means for India’s own efforts to combat terrorism. Congress leader Jairam Ramesh questioned the government on the recent remarks, seeking to know how Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his administration would respond to this unexpected development.

A "Phenomenal Partner" in Counter-Terrorism?

US Central Command chief General Michael Kurilla’s testimony before the House Armed Services Committee has sent shockwaves in India, with many questioning the US’s stance on Pakistan’s role in counter-terrorism. Kurilla described Pakistan as a "phenomenal partner" in counter-terrorism efforts, a statement that has been met with skepticism and concern in India. The comments come at a time when India has been actively campaigning to expose Pakistan’s support for cross-border terrorism, particularly after the deadly terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir’s Pahalgam in April.

A Zero-Sum Approach in South Asia?

General Kurilla urged Washington not to adopt a zero-sum approach in South Asia, stating that the US must maintain strategic relations with both India and Pakistan. He emphasized that the US should look at the merits of the relationship for the positives that it has, rather than pitting one country against the other. However, this approach has raised concerns in India, with many wondering if the US is ignoring Pakistan’s alleged role in supporting terrorism.

India’s Diplomatic Efforts

India has been actively engaging in diplomatic efforts to hold Pakistan accountable for its alleged role in the Pahalgam attack, which killed 26 people on April 22. In response, India carried out precision air strikes on terror infrastructure across the border in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir on May 7. The military escalation ended on May 10 after the Directors General of Military Operations from both countries reached an understanding.

Concerns Over Equivalence

Indian officials, including External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, have reiterated that India would not accept any equivalence between victims of terrorism and the perpetrators. New Delhi has also expressed concern over multiple international responses that appeared to hyphenate India and Pakistan during the brief military flare-up. The Indian government has consistently maintained that Pakistan’s support for terrorism is a major concern and that the international community should not equate the two countries.

Pakistan’s Role in Combatting ISIS-Khorasan

General Kurilla also spoke about Pakistan’s role in combatting the Islamic State’s regional affiliate, ISIS-Khorasan, also known as IS-KP. He acknowledged efforts by the Pakistani military and army chief General Asim Munir in countering the terror group. However, this has raised questions in India about the US’s assessment of Pakistan’s counter-terrorism efforts and whether it is ignoring other aspects of Pakistan’s role in supporting terrorism.

A Diplomatic Setback for India?

The US’s praise for Pakistan’s counter-terrorism efforts has been seen as a diplomatic setback for India, which has been trying to isolate Pakistan internationally for its alleged support for terrorism. Congress leader Jairam Ramesh’s question to the government is a reflection of the concern and anger that many Indians feel about the US’s stance on Pakistan. The Indian government will need to respond carefully to this development, balancing its relationship with the US while also ensuring that its concerns about Pakistan’s support for terrorism are heard.

Conclusion

The US’s praise for Pakistan’s counter-terrorism efforts has raised more questions than answers, leaving India to wonder about the implications for its own efforts to combat terrorism. The Indian government will need to navigate this complex diplomatic landscape carefully, ensuring that its concerns are heard while also maintaining its relationship with the US. As the situation continues to unfold, one thing is certain – the India-Pakistan dynamic will remain a major challenge for the international community, and the US’s stance on Pakistan’s counter-terrorism efforts will be closely watched.

Published By: Atul Mishra
Published On: Jun 12, 2025

Content originally published by www.indiatoday.in