According to an article in the Washington Times, the policy shift was largely driven by the brief but intense Pakistan-India conflict in May, which became a decisive turning point in bilateral relations.

The newspaper noted that Pakistan’s military performance during the clash surprised President Trump and altered perceptions in Washington.

The Washington Times also carried a detailed analysis of the relationship between Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir and President Trump.

The relationship between the two has even been described as a “bromance,” with US officials referring to Field Marshal Munir as a “disciplined dark horse” and a “deliberate mystery.”

The article said that Washington initially sought to elevate India through the Quad alliance and other forums while sidelining Islamabad.

However, India’s domestic political situation, restrictions on personal freedoms, inconsistent military performance and rigid diplomatic posture raised doubts about its role as a regional stabiliser.

It added that in March, President Trump unexpectedly praised Pakistan in a speech, signalling an early shift in US thinking.

Islamabad, the paper noted, swiftly capitalised on the opportunity, turning limited cooperation into growing diplomatic credit.

According to the Washington Times, Trump was particularly displeased with India’s reaction to ceasefire efforts during the May conflict, while Pakistan’s willingness to accept mediation strengthened its standing in Washington.

The article described several unprecedented developments, including a White House lunch meeting for the Pakistani military chief, a red-carpet welcome for Field Marshal Asim Munir at US Central Command headquarters, and high-level strategic meetings with American military leadership.

The newspaper said Pakistan is now viewed by Washington as a credible channel on Iran-related matters and a potentially constructive player in issues linked to Gaza.

It added that Pakistan has emerged as a central pillar of Trump’s evolving South Asia policy.

While noting that the durability of the new US policy will depend on the conduct of both India and Pakistan, the Washington Times concluded that Pakistan — and Field Marshal Asim Munir in particular — played a central role in reshaping US policy and the regional balance in South Asia in 2025.

The paper described the rapid transformation of US perceptions of Pakistan from an unfavoured state to a strategic partner as a rare and significant development in American foreign policy.