Just hours after imposing steep 25% tariffs and additional penalties on Indian imports, US President Donald Trump on Wednesday unveiled a new energy partnership with Pakistan, announcing plans to jointly develop the country’s “massive” oil reserves. In a surprise statement, he even floated the possibility that Pakistan could “some day” sell oil to India.
Posting on his social media platform Truth Social, Trump said, “We have just concluded a Deal with the Country of Pakistan, whereby Pakistan and the United States will work together on developing their massive Oil Reserves. We are in the process of choosing the Oil Company that will lead this Partnership. Who knows, maybe they’ll be selling Oil to India some day!”
The announcement has raised eyebrows given the geopolitical sensitivities of energy cooperation between the US and Pakistan — a country long accused by India of harbouring terrorists — particularly at a time when US-India trade tensions are escalating.
Earlier the same day, Trump slapped a 25% tariff and additional penalties on Indian goods, citing India’s trade surplus with the US and its continued purchase of Russian oil as reasons for the punitive measures.
In the same Truth Social post, Trump detailed ongoing trade discussions with several other countries, noting that many are seeking to negotiate reduced tariff rates. “I have spoken to the Leaders of many Countries, all of whom want to make the United States ‘extremely happy’,” he wrote.
He added that a meeting with a South Korean trade delegation was scheduled for the afternoon. “South Korea is right now at a 25% Tariff, but they have an offer to buy down those Tariffs. I will be interested in hearing what that offer is.”
Trump also claimed that many nations are offering tariff concessions in a bid to reduce the US trade deficit. “A full report will be released at the appropriate time. Thank you for your attention to this matter. MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN!”
The back-to-back announcements signal a shift in the Trump administration’s trade strategy — doubling down on tariffs while simultaneously building new energy and economic ties with traditional and non-traditional allies alike.
Analysts note that the proposed US-Pakistan oil development deal could further complicate South Asia’s geopolitical dynamics, especially as India and the US work toward expanding their strategic and economic ties.
