US–Pakistan Ties Seen as Short-Term, Diplomat Says
Former diplomat Vikas Swarup has described the United States’ renewed engagement with Pakistan as a short-term, tactical arrangement driven more by financial interests than long-term strategic alignment.
A Tactical Shift
Swarup, a former High Commissioner to Canada, pointed to growing U.S.–Pakistan ties as predominantly motivated by the Trump and Witkoff families’ anticipated financial gains, particularly in cryptocurrency ventures. He emphasized that, in contrast, U.S.–India relations remain rooted in strategic, long-term objectives, making the latter more substantial.
Short-Term Gain vs. Strategic Partnership
Calling the current U.S.–Pakistan partnership a “passing phase,” Swarup warned that such a transactional approach could be fleeting if the economic incentives fade or political shifts occur.
Advice to India
Swarup urged India to remain calm and patient, describing the unfolding situation as a temporary “storm.” His message suggests that long-term strategic relationships like India’s with the U.S. will ultimately endure despite these short-lived policy shifts.
