Now that Pakistan reaches out again to ex-President Trump, doubts grow over where it really stands in America’s bigger plans. Could this friendliness come less from steady goals and more from reading his character? A closer look at how leaders act might explain much of what we see today. For expert observer Fareed Zakaria, personal dynamics shape most of this shift.
During a chat with India Today’s Rajdeep Sardesai, Zakaria pointed out that Pakistan’s connection with Trump isn’t really about global strategy – instead, it leans on personality matches and showing strength. International figures who hold tight control tend to catch Trump’s eye, according to him. Speaking openly, Zakaria stated, “Trump admires strongmen,” which sheds light on why generals in Pakistan seem well received by the former U.S. president.
Right at the heart stands General Asim Munir, head of Pakistan’s military. According to Zakaria, Munir shaped his image so it clicks naturally with how Trump sees global power. That kind of framing – strong control, total readiness to act on demand – fits neatly into Trump’s style of deal-based diplomacy. He doesn’t soften demands; instead, he leans hard into dominance. The message was clear without being loud: I am the one who holds Pakistan tight. Such blunt posture matches what Trump tends to value most in allies. Not friendship, but leverage.
Reports mention lavish gestures, like pushing for Trump to get a Nobel Peace Prize – moves that might help his family’s business ventures too. These actions, though surprising to some, show Pakistan shaping its approach around Trump himself instead of following standard diplomatic routines. How leaders connect can shift fast when personal appeal replaces protocol.
Still, Zakaria pointed out, India functions differently – it can’t act that way at all. “That’s not what India does,” he noted. “It stands as a real democracy.” Even if this appears weak next to rulers who favor power over process, he emphasized how such traits build lasting advantage. Over time, democratic structures lend India trust and steadiness no single politician or shift in U.S. policy can match.
Fredrick Zakaria had something to say about Trump’s comments on helping cool tensions between India and Pakistan after Operation Sindoor. Speaking calmly, he advised New Delhi not to react with anger but with patience instead. Past Indian figures have noted minor American roles during earlier standoffs – without making a big issue of it. It does not make sense, he added, to become so defensive that even mentioning U.S. contact feels unacceptable. A steady, self-assured approach, one that doesn’t shout, might serve better here.
Zakaria admitted Trump’s outreach to Pakistan might raise eyebrows. Still, he urged caution in seeing each comment as a setback for India. “Sure, it’s troubling,” he remarked. “Yet stay calm. Wait it out.” He stressed steady thinking over quick reactions
Still, he brushed aside parallels to how China challenged Trump. Since Beijing has real influence, Zakaria said, it can push back firmly. India, on the contrary, lacks that edge today. Without strong leverage, acting tough makes little sense, he remarked. Trump, after all, quickly spots weakness. That’s why pretending otherwise could backfire.
What keeps India strong, according to Zakaria, is not copying deal-based power moves. Instead, holding steady matters most. Trust in its democracy runs deep. That trust, he believes, will pay off over time.
