Pakistan’s Army Chief, Field Marshal Asim Munir, is set to visit the United States this week, marking his second trip to the country in just two months. This visit follows his private lunch with US President Donald Trump on June 18 and comes at a time of heightened tensions between India and the US over trade issues.

Munir’s upcoming visit is reportedly a reciprocal trip to attend a farewell event for US Central Command Chief General Michael Kurilla in Tampa, Florida, according to Pakistani newspaper Dawn. Kurilla had visited Pakistan last month and was awarded the prestigious Nishan-e-Imtiaz, one of Pakistan’s highest military honors.

In June, Trump hosted Munir at the White House, where he praised the Pakistani leader for helping broker a ceasefire between India and Pakistan. However, India dismissed Trump’s claims, asserting that its foreign policy decisions, including the ceasefire, are made independently, without foreign influence.

Since then, relations between India and the US have been strained, partly due to Trump’s imposition of high tariffs on Indian goods. The US President levied tariffs as a “penalty” for India’s continued trade with Russia, a move that India has criticized as “unfair and unjustified.”

Meanwhile, rumors about Munir replacing Asif Ali Zardari as Pakistan’s president have been firmly dismissed by the Pakistani military.

General Kurilla, who is retiring, had previously highlighted the importance of maintaining strong relationships with both India and Pakistan in countering terrorism. During a US Congress hearing in June, he described Pakistan as a “phenomenal partner” in counter-terrorism efforts.

Munir, who has significant influence in Pakistan due to the military’s power in the country, was promoted from General to Field Marshal after Pakistan claimed military success during its exchanges with India in May.

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