Islamabad(The COW News Digital)Pakistan has emerged with a clear diplomatic advantage in Washington despite India spending millions of dollars on lobbying efforts, according to a report published by the British newspaper The Telegraph. The report highlights a notable shift in US-Pakistan relations during President Donald Trump’s second term, contrasting sharply with tensions seen during his earlier presidency.
According to The Telegraph, both Pakistan and India invested heavily in lobbying campaigns in the United States following heightened border tensions between the two nuclear-armed neighbors. India reportedly spent millions of dollars and sought support from individuals close to President Trump. However, the report notes that Islamabad ultimately gained greater diplomatic traction in Washington.
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During President Trump’s first term, US-Pakistan relations were strained, with Trump publicly accusing Pakistan of deception and alleging it provided safe havens to Taliban groups fighting US forces in Afghanistan. In contrast, the latest developments suggest a significant turnaround, with Pakistan now enjoying stronger engagement and support from the current US administration.
The report states that Pakistan managed to secure more favorable trade tariffs compared to several other countries and achieved high-level access in Washington. Notably, Pakistan’s army chief and prime minister were received at the Oval Office, signaling improved bilateral ties and increased strategic importance.
One of the key factors behind Pakistan’s improved standing, according to the report, was its cooperation with the United States in counterterrorism efforts. Pakistan assisted US authorities in the arrest of Daesh-Khorasan (ISIS-K) militant Sanaullah, also known as Jafar, who was allegedly involved in the deadly attack at Kabul airport’s Abbey Gate during the US military withdrawal from Afghanistan.
The Telegraph also recalled the escalation of tensions earlier this year when India accused Pakistan of involvement in an attack in Indian-administered Kashmir that killed 26 people. India launched strikes against Pakistan following the incident, prompting a strong response from Islamabad through air and ground operations. The standoff eventually de-escalated following diplomatic intervention by President Trump, the report said.
While Washington acknowledged mediation efforts, Indian officials publicly rejected any suggestion of US involvement. Indian Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri stated that Prime Minister Narendra Modi had made it clear that India does not accept third-party mediation and would not do so in the future.
The report further noted that President Trump publicly thanked Pakistan during his address to a joint session of the US Congress, one of his most significant speeches in the early months of his second term. Trump specifically acknowledged Pakistan’s role in the arrest of Sanaullah, highlighting Islamabad’s cooperation in combating terrorism.
The developments underscore Pakistan’s growing diplomatic leverage in Washington at a time of intense regional competition, reshaping the balance of influence between South Asia’s two rivals.
