Strategic Blow: US Backs Pakistan as ‘Trusted’ Anti-Terror Partner, India Calls It Misplaced Faith

International News: Commander General Michael Kurilla, of the Central Command of Merika, has recently described Pakistan as a "phenomenal partner" in anti-terrorism operations. His statement has come to light during the hearing of the US Congress, which has created discomfort at the diplomatic and national security level in India. India has been continuously accusing Pakistan of sponsoring cross-border terrorism, especially after a recent Pahalgam attack. General Kurilla said, 'Pakistan is currently involved in the anti-terrorism battle, and he has played a magnificent partner in the region.' His comment has come at a time when India is running an aggressive diplomatic campaign against Pakistan on global forums.

American attempts for bilateral balance

Testifying before the House Armed Services Committee, General Kurilla advocated not to consider the US South Asia policy as a "zero-sum game". He clarified that America should maintain strategic relations with both India and Pakistan. "It is not a binary switch that if we have relations with India, it cannot be with Pakistan," he said. "We should focus on the benefits of both relationships."

Pakistan's role praised against ISIS-K

General Kurilla also appreciated the Pak Army Chief General Asim Munir openly. He said that dozens of military campaigns have been conducted against ISIS-K on the Afghanistan-Pakistan border. In these campaigns, "dozens of terrorists" were killed, and at least five "high-value" terrorists were caught. He specifically mentioned Mohammad Sharifullah, alias Zafar, who was involved in the 2021 Kabul Airport suicide attack, killing more than 160 civilians, including 13 American soldiers. "After being caught, the Pak Army chief first called me and said, 'I have caught him. I am ready to hand it over to America.'" General Kurilla said.

India's blunt message: Terrorists will get the answer to terror

India's Foreign Minister S.K. Jaishankar clarified during Brussels' visit that India would not compromise on terrorism. He said, "We adopt a policy of zero tolerance towards terrorism. If Pakistan repeats barbaric acts like April, our retaliation will be decisive – and it will be focused on those terrorists and their bases, no matter how much they hide inside Pakistan."

He also warned that "terrorism is a global problem, and it will not leave the West either." Giving the example of Osama bin Laden, he reminded how he remained hidden in Pakistan's military cantonment for years. The attitude of the Indian Ministry of External Affairs is clear: "We chose the path of ceasefire through bilateral talks at the military level, not by arbitration of a third party."

Rebate given to Pak under the guise of strategic interests?

Even though this statement of General Kurilla reflects America's strategic compulsions, it has strengthened India's concerns. It is unacceptable for India to ignore Pakistan as a "magnificent partner". India wants to give a clear message to the international community that as long as those countries will continue to get a clean chit which shelters the terrorists, the end of global terrorism will remain a distant dream.