By The Sampadak Express
U.S. President Donald Trump hosted Pakistan Army Chief General Asim Munir for a luncheon meeting at the White House on Wednesday, praising the top military leader for his role in de-escalating last month’s conflict between India and Pakistan.
Speaking to reporters, Mr. Trump said, “The reason I had him here was I wanted to thank him for not going into the war and ending it.” The lunch marked the first time a U.S. president hosted a Pakistani army chief at the White House without senior Pakistani civilian officials in attendance.
The meeting took place against the backdrop of rising tensions between Israel and Iran, with the U.S. reportedly reviewing its options in the region. Pakistan’s strategic ties with Iran added weight to the discussions.
Trump said he appreciated General Munir’s efforts in helping bring an end to what could have escalated into a nuclear confrontation. “Two very smart people decided not to keep going with that war; that could have been a nuclear war,” Trump said, referring to Munir and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
India and Pakistan agreed to a ceasefire on May 10 following four days of intense cross-border hostilities involving drones and missile strikes. The conflict stemmed from the April Pahalgam terror attack, prompting India to launch “Operation Sindoor.”
Trump also acknowledged a phone conversation with PM Modi the previous night, where they discussed regional security and potential trade ties. However, Indian officials later clarified that no mediation or trade agreements were discussed during the call.
Responding to queries on the objective of his meeting with General Munir, Trump said, “Well, I stopped a war… I love Pakistan. I think Modi is a fantastic man… We’re going to make a trade deal with Modi of India.”
The luncheon, held in the White House Cabinet Room, lasted over an hour and was also attended by Pakistan’s intelligence chief Lt Gen Asim Malik.
Earlier, the White House press office confirmed the meeting, stating that General Munir had recently called for President Trump to be nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize for helping prevent a potential nuclear war between the two South Asian neighbors.“
President Trump will host Field Marshal Munir after he called for the President to be nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize,” said Deputy Press Secretary Anna Kelly.
The development signals Washington’s renewed engagement with South Asian military leadership amidst multiple ongoing global crises.
