Trump hosts Pakistan’s Asim Munir: $18B aid and F-35s signal new military pact

On June 18, 2025, Trump’s unprecedented White House meeting with Pakistan’s Army Chief Asim Munir marked a strategic pivot, offering $18 billion in aid and next-gen F-35 jets. This signals a renewed US-Pakistan military alliance amid regional tensions, challenging India’s security calculus and reshaping South Asia’s geopolitical landscape.

Sources:
ReutersIndianexpressAljazeera+6
Updated 12m ago
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Sources: ReutersInventivaDeccanherald+4
President Donald Trump hosted Pakistan’s Army Chief, General Asim Munir, at the White House on June 18, 2025, in an unprecedented meeting signaling a renewed military partnership.

This high-profile engagement, lasting nearly three hours, marks a significant shift in U.S.-Pakistan relations, which had been largely dormant as the U.S. courted India to counter China’s influence.

Trump praised Munir for helping to quell the recent India-Pakistan conflict, stating he had thanked him for ending the war, while also commending Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

The meeting included discussions on a substantial military aid package reportedly worth $18 billion, including the provision of advanced fifth-generation F-35 fighter jets and AWACS surveillance aircraft to Pakistan.

"The Trump administration will strengthen Pakistan’s military capabilities by providing substantial new military aid, offering fifth-generation F-35 fighter aircraft, and selling AWACS planes," sources said.

This move represents a tactical re-engagement rather than a fundamental strategic pivot, as Pakistan remains a key player in the geopolitically sensitive region bordering India, China, Central Asia, Persia, and the Arab world.

Historically, U.S. aid to Pakistan since 9/11 has exceeded $18 billion, though much was reportedly misused, funneled into conventional arsenals aimed at India rather than counterterrorism.

The meeting also touched on regional security concerns, including threats from separatist and jihadist groups along the Pakistan-Iran border amid rising tensions in West Asia.

Indian officials criticized the meeting, with Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh calling it an embarrassment for Pakistan’s civilian government.

Pakistan’s military chief warned of potential instability in Iran, highlighting Pakistan’s attempt to rebrand itself as a key ally against extremism.

This renewed cooperation could alter the military balance in South Asia, with Indian planners now facing the prospect of Pakistan equipped with advanced U.S. and Chinese weaponry.

The meeting underscores the complex dynamics of U.S. foreign policy in South Asia, balancing relations with both India and Pakistan amid broader geopolitical challenges.

Sources: ReutersInventivaDeccanherald
President Trump hosted Pakistan’s Army Chief General Asim Munir at the White House, signaling a renewed military pact with $18 billion in aid and offers of F-35 fighter jets. The unprecedented meeting marks a strategic shift amid regional tensions involving India, Pakistan, and Iran.
Section 1 background
The Headline

Trump hosts Pakistan’s Munir, offers $18B aid and F-35 jets

Key Facts
  • Donald Trump hosted Pakistan's Army Chief General Asim Munir at the White House on June 18, 2025, for a high-profile lunch lasting nearly three hours, an unprecedented meeting that included key US West Asia advisors and extended beyond the scheduled one hour.InventivaM2
  • The meeting focused on the Israel-Iran conflict, military cooperation, and trade relations, signaling a tactical US re-engagement with Pakistan rather than a fundamental strategic pivot.ReutersIndianexpress
  • Trump offered Pakistan next-generation military aid including fifth-generation F-35 fighter jets, AWACS planes, and basing rights in exchange for military access, aiming to strengthen Pakistan’s military capabilities.DeccanheraldInventiva2
  • Trump publicly credited Munir for helping end the recent India-Pakistan conflict, praising both Munir and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, though India denied any US mediation role.Reuters
  • The meeting marked a turnaround in US perception of Pakistan, a country Trump had previously criticized, now seen as a key military partner amid rising West Asia tensions and US-Iran conflict dynamics.DeccanheraldIndianexpress
The meeting represented a major boost in U.S.-Pakistan ties, which had largely languished under Trump and his predecessor Joe Biden, as both courted India as part of efforts to push back against China.
Reuters
Reuters
Trump’s meeting with Munir signals a tactical re-engagement rather than a fundamental strategic pivot.
Indianexpress
Indianexpress
As a quid pro quo, the Trump administration will strengthen Pakistan’s military capabilities by providing substantial new military aid, offering fifth-generation F-35 fighter aircraft, and selling AWACS planes to enhance its air defence capabilities.
Deccanherald
Deccanherald
Trump’s current overtures indicate renewed military cooperation, this time visible and open. A package reportedly includes advanced fighter jets, emergent weapon systems, economic incentives, and basing rights in Pakistan.
Inventiva
1
His remarks came shortly after President Trump hosted General Asim Munir and ISI chief Lt Gen Asim Malik at a luncheon in the White House Cabinet Room on Wednesday. The one-hour meeting, held without any senior civilian officials from Pakistan, marked the first time a US president has publicly met with a Pakistani army chief in such a setting.
Businesstoday
Businesstoday
By several accounts, the meeting between Pakistani Field Marshal Asim Munir and US President Donald Trump lasted almost three hours, extending beyond the one hour allocated, and included key US administration advisors for West Asia.
M
M
On the military front, Pakistan procures more than 80 percent of its weaponry from China, and some of those products, particularly Chinese jets and missiles, showcased their worth in the recent conflict with India.
Aljazeera
Aljazeera
Key Stats at a Glance
Total U.S. aid to Pakistan since 9/11
$18 billion
1
Percentage of military assistance misused (2002–07)
70%
1

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Trump’s Pakistan Pivot Risks India Ties? | Trump Hosts Pak Army Chief Munir At White House | US News
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Section 2 background
Background Context

Context: India-Pakistan ceasefire and Pakistan’s rebranding efforts

Key Facts
  • The India-Pakistan conflict was de-escalated on May 10, 2025 after a week of cross-border drone and missile strikes, with India launching Operation Sindoor in retaliation for a terror attack.Businesstoday
  • Trump claimed credit for facilitating a ceasefire between India and Pakistan, praising both sides, but India denied any US mediation role during the conflict.Reuters
  • Pakistan is attempting to rebrand itself as an anti-extremism ally amid rising West Asia tensions, leveraging the US-Iran conflict to seek Western support against extremist outfits.M
  • India expressed concern over the US-Pakistan military cooperation, tightening aid conditions and boosting its own defense capabilities in response to Pakistan’s new military access and advanced arms offers.InventivaM2
  • Pakistani media and Indian officials criticized the absence of civilian leadership in the talks, highlighting the dominance of Pakistan’s military in foreign relations.BusinesstodayMoneycontrol2
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