From Abraham Accords to NATO dreams: Why Trump’s praise for Shehbaz-Munir on Gaza deal sets off alarms for India

Pakistan’s ambitions to stay relevant in West Asia are once again riding piggyback on someone else’s plan. This time, it is Donald Trump’s 20-point Gaza peace proposal that has handed Islamabad an opportunity to posture on the global stage. After Trump’s meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at the White House, Pakistan rushed to declare its support, with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif posting on X and Army Chief Field Marshal Asim Munir briefing Trump directly.

On the surface, Islamabad’s backing appears as token diplomacy. However, sources told CNN-News18 that Pakistan is angling for major concessions, including entry into the Abraham Accords, a super economic package, and even the status of a frontline non-NATO ally if Washington reclaims Bagram Airbase.

Trump, speaking alongside Netanyahu, called Monday a “historic day for peace,” insisting that Israel’s war aims and his plan were aligned. Netanyahu praised Trump for taking “a critical step towards both ending the war in Gaza and setting the stage for dramatically advancing peace in the Middle East.” While the US president said Hamas must agree, he added bluntly to Netanyahu, “if Hamas fails to agree to the plan… you’d have our full backing to do what you would have to do.”

Pakistan wasted no time inserting itself into the conversation. Trump thanked both Sharif and Munir for endorsing the proposal, but analysts note Islamabad’s motives are transactional. According to CNN-News18, Pakistan is expecting Washington and its Gulf partners to reward this alignment with economic aid and diplomatic leverage. There is also speculation that Pakistan could normalise ties with Israel under Trump’s framework if a two-state solution is accepted.

For India, these developments carry a warning. The possibility of Pakistan regaining “major non-NATO ally” status and being used as a front for US regional interests, particularly if Bagram Airbase is brought back under American control, could shift the balance in ways that embolden Islamabad. Critics say Sharif and Munir’s sudden enthusiasm for peace is less about Gaza and more about securing financial lifelines and international clout at a time when Pakistan is isolated and bankrupt.