FBI director Kash Patel’s handshake with Pakistan’s Munir sparks outrage, divides Indian social media

Patel-Munir Handshake Stirs Indian Online Debate

At his swearing-in as FBI Director, Kash Patel invoked “Jai Shree Krishna,” touched his parents’ feet, and swore on the Bhagavad Gita — a symbolic blend of Indian diaspora culture and MAGA loyalty. Now, Patel is under fire after a photo of him shaking hands with Pakistan’s Army Chief, Field Marshal Asim Munir, during a White House meeting hosted by President Donald Trump with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, went viral.

For many Indians and members of the diaspora, Patel’s warm gesture towards Munir, known for his anti-India remarks, felt like betrayal. Critics denounced it as hypocrisy, especially given Patel’s defence of the Ram Mandir. Others argued pragmatically that, in his role, “he could hardly decline such a greeting.” A third camp dismissed the uproar as misplaced, insisting the moment reflected diplomacy, not religion: “Munir is a Pakistani, Patel is an American, both prioritise national interests.”

Kash Patel’s handshake with Pakistan’s Army Chief Asim Munir has stirred controversy far beyond diplomacy. Critics highlight Patel’s defence of the Ram Temple and Munir’s advocacy of the Two-Nation Theory, casting the gesture as a symbolic clash. Its timing, months after the Pahalgam terror attack, deepened sensitivities. For many in the diaspora, Patel’s Gujarat roots and Hindu upbringing make him a cultural representative, not merely an American official. The uproar also reflects broader unease over President Donald Trump’s perceived tilt toward Pakistan, from trade disputes to open praise of Islamabad’s diplomacy, leaving Delhi increasingly wary of Washington’s approach.

Jai Shri Krishna……. How @Kash_Patel began his speech at his congressional hearing after first introducing his parents and sister from India….. pic.twitter.com/U9ateObPvS— Alok Bhatt (@alok_bhatt) January 30, 2025

Patel’s handshake is seen as part of a wider cooling in Trump-era India–US ties. Delhi faces steep tariffs of up to 50% on exports, compared with Pakistan’s 19%. Meanwhile, President Donald Trump has courted Islamabad with trade incentives, energy cooperation, and high-profile photo opportunities. The perception of favouritism has unsettled India at a sensitive moment. Adding to the tension is Trump’s personal frustration at not being nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize by India, a perceived snub feeding into diplomatic irritation. Unlike many allies, New Delhi has resisted Trump’s demands, widening the perception of drift between the two capitals.

In May 2025, Donald Trump claimed credit for “brokering” a ceasefire between India and Pakistan, but Delhi insisted it was a direct military agreement. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh dismissed Trump’s claim of US pressure as baseless, while the Ministry of External Affairs issued a detailed rebuttal denying any foreign influence. At the UN, India reaffirmed that “no room for any third party” exists in its disputes. Even Pakistan acknowledged India’s stance. Despite this, Trump continues to assert he halted India’s military actions, a narrative Delhi firmly rejects.

Trump’s Hindu outreach included Diwali speeches and opposition to California’s caste bill, aimed at wooing Hindu-Americans before the 2024 elections. Patel, with his religious identity and pro-Modi stance, played a central role in this effort. Unlike the typical model-minority narrative, Patel rose through defiance, authoring the Nunes memo, serving as Trump’s Russiagate warrior, and cultivating a loud, unapologetic Hindu persona. He embodies both sanskar and swagger, becoming Trump’s “dharma warrior” in Washington. Defenders argue he was following diplomatic protocol, but given combustible India–Pakistan relations and Trump’s tensions with Delhi, even a handshake carries political weight. Patel also reflects diaspora politics, balancing his role as an American official with his Hindu heritage, making every act, including courtesy gestures, a test of loyalty for the diaspora.

Kash Patel, FBI chief and Trump’s Hindu face, has transformed faith into political influence. His handshake with Pakistan’s Asim Munir is viewed by many as a betrayal, reflecting India–US tensions and diaspora expectations, though his primary loyalty remains to Donald Trump.