India US Trade Pact Triggers Political Storm in Pakistan

India newly finalised trade agreement with the United States has sparked sharp criticism within Pakistan, where commentators argue that months of diplomatic outreach to Washington delivered few tangible results. Despite Islamabad’s public gestures toward the US leadership, Pakistan ended up facing a higher tariff rate than India, triggering questions over the effectiveness of its foreign policy strategy.

Critics point out that Pakistan went out of its way to court US President Donald Trump, including nominating him for the Nobel Peace Prize and supporting his inclusion on the Board of Peace. Even so, the final outcome saw US tariffs on Pakistani exports set at 19 per cent, compared to 18 per cent for India, a difference that many in Pakistan view as politically symbolic and economically damaging.

New Delhi, by contrast, is widely perceived as having resisted pressure from Trump over several months while negotiating from a position of confidence. Trump himself amplified the optics by sharing images of India Gate and a magazine cover featuring Prime Minister Narendra Modi, before announcing the lower tariff rate for Indian goods. The contrast did not go unnoticed across the border.

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India wins lower US tariffs Pakistan faces backlash

Social media in Pakistan quickly filled with criticism, sarcasm, and anger. Commentators and political figures argued that India secured a better deal without excessive personal flattery, while Pakistan relied too heavily on symbolic gestures and photo opportunities. Opposition leaders described the episode as proof that economic strength and market leverage matter more than personal rapport in modern diplomacy.

The backlash also highlighted Pakistan’s broader economic anxieties. Journalists and analysts warned that higher tariffs could further strain exports, investment flows, and negotiating power. They contrasted India’s back-to-back trade deals with the US and the European Union—deals expected to significantly boost exports—with Pakistan’s outcome, which many view as a costly reminder that lobbying alone cannot buy international respect.

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