Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s recent visit to Washington to meet with U.S. President Donald Trump has raised eyebrows in Islamabad.

In the joint statement issued during Modi’s trip, the two leaders “called on Pakistan to expeditiously bring to justice the perpetrators of the 26/11 Mumbai, and Pathankot attacks and ensure that its territory is not used to carry out cross-border terrorist attacks.”

Responding to the “Pakistan-specific reference” in the joint statement, Pakistan’s Foreign Office spokesperson Shafqat Ali Khan said that Pakistan considered this “as one-sided, misleading and contrary to diplomatic norms.” Khan said that it was surprising that this issue was even mentioned, given Pakistan’s extensive counterterrorism cooperation with the United States

Additionally, Pakistan raised concerns over the proposed U.S. military sales to India. It would worsen the military imbalance in South Asia, undermining regional stability, Khan said, adding that “such steps are unhelpful in achieving durable peace in South Asia.”

The joint statement refers to plans for advanced U.S. military sales to India, including F-35 fighter jets, and enhanced defense-industrial collaboration, underscoring a growing strategic alignment.

The latest developments are understandably worrying for Pakistan, particularly as they coincide with Trump’s plans to nominate S. Paul Kapur, a scholar known for his critical views on Pakistan, as assistant secretary of state for South Asia.........

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