Former Indian Spy Chief Praises Pakistan After Field Marshal’s US Visit

Amarjit Singh Dulat, previously head of India’s Research and Analysis Wing (RAW), conveyed that Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir’s meeting over luncheon with former US President Donald Trump holds considerable importance, extending congratulations to Pakistan on this development.

Dulat, in an interview conducted at King’s College, discussed his book, ‘The Chief Minister and the Spy’.

Dulat stated, “I offer my congratulations to Field Marshal Asim Munir and to the citizens of Pakistan. He should consider visiting Modi Ji at Hyderabad House, and potentially Amritsar thereafter. I am of the opinion that rigid stances can be eased. Back in 2015, Modi journeyed to Pakistan for Nawaz Sharif’s granddaughter’s wedding. Improvements are possible and desirable. Someone has to initiate the process. With Imran Khan incarcerated, the Field Marshal or Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif could take that step.”

The former Indian intelligence head concurred that relations between India and Pakistan are currently strained, particularly following the recent conflict, yet he remains optimistic about the prospect of positive change. “Consider the Field Marshal’s lunch in the US. Whoever facilitated it could also extend an invitation to Delhi. If such a meeting can occur in Washington, why not in Delhi?”

He emphasized that the luncheon in the Cabinet Room and the visit to the Oval Office, which spanned over two hours, represented a noteworthy advancement in US-Pakistan relations, adding: “This is unprecedented and highly beneficial for Pakistan. My congratulations to Pakistan, but don’t stop there; consider a visit to India as well.”

Dulat noted that while India maintains stable relations with the US, fluctuations are common. He commented, “Pakistan has historically made progress in these relations, which explains the Field Marshal’s presence there.”

The former RAW chief urged both nations to engage in direct dialogue, emphasizing the avoidance of war between India and Pakistan. “The fact that the recent conflict was limited to four days is a positive sign.”

The ex-spy acknowledged the absence of concrete evidence linking Pakistan to the Pahalgam attack, which precipitated the conflict between the two nuclear powers. He clarified: “Evidence isn’t always available. Had the militants been apprehended, evidence would exist, but they escaped. It’s their modus operandi. India firmly believes in Pakistan’s involvement. An intelligence failure occurred, but such incidents are not unique.”

Dulat suggested that PM Modi’s actions against Pakistan were a matter of “necessity” influenced by political considerations, while reiterating that “war should be avoided due to its inherent dangers.”

The former Indian intelligence chief commended Pakistan’s hospitality. “I hold the distinction of being the only intelligence chief to have visited Pakistan four times post-retirement, between 2010 and 2012. Pakistani hospitality is unparalleled, and I thoroughly enjoyed my visits.”

Dulat expressed his fondness for his friendship with former ISI chief General Asad Durrani, characterizing him as a valued friend.

During their meeting, Field Marshal Munir acknowledged Trump’s “constructive and result-oriented role” in facilitating a ceasefire with India after last month’s armed confrontation. The meeting included figures such as Secretary of State Senator Marco Rubio and US Special Representative for Middle Eastern Affairs Steve Witkoff on the US side, and Pakistan’s national security adviser and interior minister alongside Field Marshal Munir.

The US president acknowledged Field Marshal Munir’s leadership and decisiveness amid challenging regional dynamics and highlighted Pakistan’s contributions to regional peace and stability, and commended the strong counter-terrorism collaboration between the two countries.