A known American publication, has described 2025 as a year of revolutionary change in Pakistan-US relations, highlighting significant shifts in diplomatic dynamics between the two countries.
An article published by the Washington Times marks a surprising transformation in President Donald Trump’s Pakistan policy, noting that Washington’s “India First” approach has ended and Pakistan has gained precedence. The shift in US policy is attributed to the May 2025 conflict between Pakistan and India, which acted as a turning point.
The Washington Times article also includes an in-depth analysis of the relationship between Field Marshal Asim Munir and US President Trump, stating that Pakistan has transitioned from being an undesirable state to a key partner nation.
The article describes the rapid change in Pakistan’s image as a rare and unique occurrence, with Pakistan being placed at the center of Trump’s South Asia policy.
Initially, the US strategy aimed to strengthen India through forums like the Quad, sidelining Islamabad. However, the political situation in India, restrictions on personal freedoms, inconsistent military performance, and diplomatic challenges made India’s role as a regional stabilizer increasingly questionable.
The article further details how the thaw in Pakistan-US relations began with secret counter-terrorism exchanges, which provided Washington with clear signs of substantive cooperation. In March, Trump unexpectedly praised Pakistan during a national address, prompting a shift in policy direction in Washington.
Islamabad capitalised on this opportunity, turning every limited cooperation into unexpected credit.
As engagement increased, the relationship evolved from transactional to strategic. The decisive turning point in Pakistan-US relations came after the brief but intense Pakistan-India clash in May.