In remarks sure to raise questions in New Delhi, US Central Command (CENTCOM) head Gen. Michael Kurilla underscored the need to keep close relations with both Pakistan and India, referencing Pakistan’s pivotal role in fighting Islamic State-Khorasan Province (ISIS-K). The general, who will retire this summer, termed Pakistan a “phenomenal partner” against terrorism.
Addressing a panel, Kurilla emphasized that the US relationship with Pakistan cannot be considered as an either-or with its relationship with India. “We must have relations with both. It’s not a zero-sum game,” he noted, quoting Hindustan Times.
Kurilla praised Pakistani Army Chief Asim Munir for his anti-ISIS-K efforts, adding Islamabad has conducted large-scale counterterror operations with minimal US intelligence assistance. Pakistan has been responsible for killing or capturing a number of high-value ISIS-K members, including the extradition of Mohammad Sharifullah, a main player in the 2021 Kabul airport bombing that killed 13 American soldiers and 160 civilians.
The head of CENTCOM pointed out that Pakistan has been subjected to almost 1,000 terror attacks in 2024 alone, with almost 700 security personnel and 2,500 civilians killed. He contended that Pakistan’s position in counter-terrorism would only increase as the Taliban grapples with internal threats.
Kurilla’s comments come amid renewed India-Pakistan tensions following the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack. In retaliation, India launched precision strikes under ‘Operation Sindoor’, prompting a brief but intense cross-border conflict that ended on May 10.
India has sharply protested comparative international distinctions between New Delhi and Islamabad, calling for a difference between terrorism victims and sponsors. Indian authorities have not made public statements regarding Kurilla’s comments, which occur as the US jostles with its strategic interests in South Asia.
