Former U.S. Department of Defense official Michael Rubin has sparked major debate with sharp comments about Washington’s recent actions in South Asia. In an interview, Rubin said the United States should apologise to India for “mistreating” it over the past year. He also made a surprising claim that the U.S. should arrest Pakistan’s army chief General Asim Munir if he enters the country, and he argued that Pakistan deserves placement on the list of state sponsors of terrorism.
Rubin Demands Tougher US Stand on Asim Munir
Rubin, who served during the George W. Bush administration, said there was “no strategic logic” behind the United States choosing to strengthen ties with Pakistan. His comments stood out because they directly criticised senior Pakistani military leadership, especially Asim Munir, during a time when Washington’s position in South Asia is under scrutiny.
Rubin questioned why the White House welcomed Asim Munir during his visit earlier in June, saying that the U.S. should not have honoured him. According to Rubin, Pakistan’s alleged links to terror groups should have led to strict action instead of diplomatic warmth.
He stated, “Pakistan should be designated a state sponsor of terrorism, period. If Asim Munir comes to the United States, he should be arrested rather than honoured.”
Rubin also said it is crucial for the U.S. to repair its relationship with India through “quiet diplomacy” and eventually a public apology. Although he noted that President Donald Trump “does not like to apologise”, Rubin stressed that the interests of global democracies should matter more than individual preferences.
India–Pakistan Conflict and Trump’s Claims
Rubin’s criticism came at a time when relations between the United States and India have become tense. Several actions by the U.S. government, including heavy import tariffs and public criticism of Indian policies, have led to discomfort in New Delhi.
One of the biggest triggers was the Trump administration’s decision to impose a 50% tariff on a large set of Indian imports. This move created economic pressure and surprised many in India, given that both countries describe each other as strategic partners.
At the same time, comments made by U.S. officials on Indian policies across different sectors added to the strain. India felt that Washington was unfairly targeting it, especially when cooperation between the two countries is considered crucial for stability in the Indo-Pacific region.
Pakistan’s crypto pact with Trump venture sparks alarm over money laundering, terror links
Another sensitive matter was Donald Trump’s claim that he played a key role in “ending the India-Pakistan conflict” earlier this year. Trump repeated this claim several times and even hinted he deserved recognition for it. But India strongly rejected the statement, saying no foreign country acted as a mediator.
The timing of Asim Munir’s visit to the White House only added to the tension. Rubin suggested that honouring Asim Munir sent the wrong signal to India. He argued that instead of welcoming Asim Munir, the United States should have taken a firm position against Pakistan’s alleged role in supporting terror networks.
Rubin pointed out that while the U.S. has been tough on India in recent months, it has not applied the same pressure on Pakistan, despite long-standing concerns about terrorism. According to him, this imbalance is one of the reasons India feels mistreated.
India-Pakistan Conflict and Why Asim Munir Became Central to the Debate
The debate around Asim Munir also connects to the deadly conflict that began after the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack, which killed 26 people. India blamed Pakistan-based terror groups for carrying out the attack, and the accusation sharply escalated tensions.
On May 7, India launched Operation Sindoor and struck several terror camps inside Pakistan, killing more than 100 militants, according to reports. The three-day conflict ended on May 10 after Pakistan requested a ceasefire.
Trump claimed he helped end the fighting, but India denied this. New Delhi said India and Pakistan reached the ceasefire through direct communication, without any external involvement.
Rubin cited this dispute as another reason for the U.S. to reassess its behaviour toward India. He said recent U.S. actions—including tariffs, criticism, and Trump’s public remarks—had strained ties. He added that Washington gains more from strengthening relations with India than from supporting Pakistan, and noted that Pakistan’s military leadership, including Asim Munir, often acts against U.S. interests.
U.S.-Pakistan relations soar as Washington considers transfer of AIM-120D advanced missiles
Rubin’s repeated mention of Asim Munir during his interview highlights how central the Pakistan Army Chief has become in discussions around U.S. foreign policy. His visit to Washington, the warm reception he received, and America’s stance toward Pakistan’s role in terrorism have all become part of a broader debate.
According to Rubin, fixing the damage done to India-U.S. ties requires honesty, diplomacy, and a willingness to acknowledge mistakes. His remarks have opened new conversations about how Washington should engage with South Asia—especially with key figures like Asim Munir playing major roles in shaping regional dynamics.
