Thawing of relations between Pakistan and US raises eyebrows in India

Posters bearing the images of Field Marshal Asim Munir who has had the red carpet treatment in Washington. There has been speculation that the US is hoping Pakistan could assist in the conflict with Iran. Photograph: Rehan Khan/EPA

After years in the diplomatic deep freeze, US-Pakistan ties appear to be quickly thawing, with Donald Trump’s effusive welcome for Pakistan’s army chief, Field Marshal Asim Munir, signalling a possible major reset.

Once snubbed so badly that former prime minister Imran Khan had to board an ordinary airport shuttle after arriving in the US rather than being whisked off in a limousine, Pakistan is now enjoying top-level access in Washington, including a White House lunch for Munir on Wednesday and meetings with top national security officials.