Trump–Sharif talks on trade, counterterrorism, regional security in focus amid strained India-US ties

US President Donald Trump hosted Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif at the White House on Thursday, marking a fresh chapter in US-Pakistan ties

The meeting, held on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly, focused on trade, counterterrorism, and regional security, while raising questions about the implications for India amid strained US-India relations over energy and trade.

On Thursday, US President Donald Trump announced tariffs of up to 100 per cent on imports of branded and patented pharmaceutical drugs, set to take effect from October 1, 2025. The move could have a major impact on India’s pharmaceutical sector, one of the domestic industries most reliant on trade with the United States.

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Also Read: 100% US tariff: The crucial impact on Sun Pharma stock & Indian pharma sector

Implications for India and PM Modi

The White House meeting comes amid strained US-India relations, largely over India’s purchases of discounted Russian oil following Moscow’s invasion of Ukraine. Trump has imposed tariffs of up to 50 per cent on Indian goods, including an additional 25 per cent tied to these oil imports.

PM Modi, who met Trump at the White House in February, has largely remained cautious about Washington’s claims regarding the India-Pakistan ceasefire. Unlike Sharif, PM Modi has refrained from endorsing Trump’s role in brokering peace, maintaining India’s independent stance on regional security.

Meanwhile, Trump has recently signaled a more conciliatory approach toward India, saying trade barriers between the two nations are under continued negotiation. “I look forward to speaking with my very good friend, Prime Minister Modi, in the upcoming weeks,” Trump said, expressing confidence in reaching a “successful conclusion for both of our great countries.”

He also addressed PM Modi directly, highlighting their friendship and reassuring India: “I will always be friends with Modi; he is a great prime minister,” Trump said.

PM Modi reciprocated Trump’s gesture in a post on X: “Deeply appreciate and fully reciprocate President Trump’s sentiments and positive assessment of our ties. India and the US have a very positive and forward-looking Comprehensive and Global Strategic Partnership,” he wrote.

Also Read: PM Shehbaz Sharif urges IMF to consider flood impact on Pakistan economy

Trump-Sharif talks focus on counterterrorism

The Trump-Sharif talks also focused on counterterrorism, with Sharif appreciating US support for Pakistan’s role in combating extremism. The discussions occurred against the backdrop of a historically tense India-Pakistan relationship, including clashes earlier this year triggered by a massacre in Pahalgam that India blames on Pakistan, foreign media reported.

Sharif has sought to strengthen Pakistan’s global standing, even publicly endorsing Trump for a Nobel Peace Prize for facilitating the ceasefire with India. The meeting also touched on trade agreements, including the July deal allowing Washington to help develop Pakistan’s untapped oil reserves and lower tariffs for Islamabad.

Global diplomacy and strategic alliances

PM Modi was recently seen with Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping during a security summit in Tianjin, northern China--a meeting that drew a social media jab from Trump. Despite these geopolitical shifts, Trump has emphasised ongoing dialogue with India and expressed optimism for resolving bilateral trade and economic issues.

The White House meeting with Sharif underscores the United States’ delicate balancing act in South Asia, navigating improved relations with Pakistan while maintaining strategic ties with India under PM Modi.