South Asian power balance shifts toward Pakistan

In recent weeks, an intense debate has emerged in India regarding Pakistan’s rising diplomatic stature, following its role as mediator and venue for negotiations between the United States and Iran. Iranian and American officials — including U.S. President Donald Trump — have publicly acknowledged Pakistan’s leadership, specifically Field Marshal Asim Munir and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, for their role in precipitating and sustaining the ceasefire, and maintaining channels of communication.

While Pakistan is now seen as central to diplomacy around the Iran war, India’s response has been marked by silence — variously interpreted as caution toward Mr. Trump or as strategic restraint. India has not criticised Israel or the U.S. for their actions, and this contrast with Pakistan’s rising role has fuelled debate within India’s strategic community about the shifting balance between the two countries.