Our Bureau
New Delhi
On one hand, India’s relations with the United States seem to worsen with the increasing tariffs and penalties on import duties while on the other the US seems to be favouring Pakistan and offering them a helping hand. It is being reported by Pakistani media that Pakistan Army chief Field Marshal Asim Munir is set to visit the US for the second time in two months.
This visit to the US by the Army Chief of Pakistan can be seen as a move by both Islamabad and Washington, DC, to strengthen their diplomatic ties. It also comes in the aftermath of the deal between two nations which offers Pakistan a relatively lower tariff rate in comparison with India and US plans to explore Pakistan’s oil reserves.
A month earlier, in July, the Head of the US Central Command (CENTCOM), General Michael Erik Kurilla paid a visit to Pakistan. While he was in Pakistan, their government conferred the US General with the Nishan-i-Imtiaz (military). Field Marshal Munir had also visited US two months back in June when the US President hosted him for lunch in the White House. Munir even hinted back in June that he might return to the US later in the year.
On the other hand, this Wednesday, Trump announced that he is putting on an extra 25% tariff over the already announced 25% as a penalty on India. He stated clearly that this penalty was imposed because of the decision made by India to import Russian crude oil. The US President has even warned other nations if they buy crude oil from Russia, the US will take similar measures against them.
