Jul 22, 2025, 10:28
Following a high-profile White House lunch between former U.S. President Trump and Pakistani military chief General Asim Munir on July 21, India has lodged a diplomatic protest. India views this gesture as insensitive, given ongoing tensions over cross-border terrorism and recent deadly skirmishes in Kashmir. In response, New Delhi is actively reconsidering its diplomatic posture, signaling a pivot toward Beijing despite lingering mistrust stemming from the 2020 border standoff
The Times of India
Reuters
.
Indian officials have expressed that U.S.тАУPakistan rapprochement could strain the momentum in IndiaтАУU.S. trade negotiations, already slow-moving due to tariffs and nuclear proliferation concerns
Reuters
. As a result, India is exploring enhanced engagement with ChinaтАФeasing investment restrictions, rewilding dialogues, and even dispatching External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar to Beijing. Analysts suggest India is hedging against U.S. unpredictability by diversifying its strategic partnershipsтАФmaintaining ties with Washington, while engaging with both China and Russia
Reuters
.