In his new book, "At War With Ourselves," former US National Security Adviser Lt Gen (retired) HR McMaster offers a candid account of the internal resistance he faced from within the US government regarding the suspension of military aid to Pakistan during the Trump administration. McMaster, who served under President Donald Trump, reveals that despite Trump’s clear directive to halt all aid to Pakistan due to its alleged support for terrorism, key officials, including Defence Secretary Jim Mattis, were reluctant to comply.

US Resistance to Halting Aid

McMaster details a critical meeting with Mattis, CIA Director Gina Haspel, and other senior officials, where he emphasized Trump’s explicit orders to cut aid to Pakistan until it ceased its support for terrorist organizations targeting Afghanistan and the US. Despite Trump's stance, Mattis initially planned to deliver a substantial military aid package to Islamabad, including $150 million worth of armored vehicles. The aid was ultimately stopped following McMaster's intervention, though other forms of assistance continued.

Trump’s frustration was evident when he tweeted on New Year’s Day, criticizing Pakistan for receiving over $33 billion in aid while allegedly deceiving the US and providing safe havens for terrorists. This tweet reflected a broader shift in US policy towards Pakistan, with Trump’s administration increasingly scrutinizing its role in regional instability.

Complicity with Terrorism

McMaster's book also highlights what he describes as “undeniable complicity” of Pakistan’s Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) with terrorist groups. He recounts an instance where Pakistan’s release of Hafiz Saeed, a UN-proscribed terrorist linked to the 26/11 Mumbai attacks, was seen as a direct insult to the US. This move, combined with other events, further fueled concerns about Pakistan’s role in supporting terrorism.

India's Strategic Focus

During his tenure, McMaster visited India from April 14–17, 2017, where he met with then-Foreign Secretary S. Jaishankar, National Security Advisor Ajit Doval, and Prime Minister Narendra Modi. McMaster noted that while the discussions covered the threat posed by nuclear-armed Pakistan, Indian leaders were more concerned about the rising aggression from China. McMaster observed that India viewed the deepening partnership with the US as a logical step in countering Chinese assertiveness, but there were underlying fears of both entrapment in regional conflicts and potential abandonment due to fluctuating US interests.

Impact on US-India Relations

McMaster’s insights offer a glimpse into the complex dynamics of US foreign policy towards South Asia during the Trump administration. The resistance to halting aid to Pakistan, coupled with the focus on China in US-India relations, reflects broader strategic challenges faced by the US in balancing its regional interests and alliances. The book sheds light on the internal conflicts and policy debates that shaped the US approach to Pakistan and its strategic partnerships in the region.

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