‘You Can’t Buy Respect’: India-US Trade Deal Draws Sharp Reaction In Pakistan

Islamabad : Pakistan has seen a wave of criticism at home after the United States and India announced a new trade agreement that cuts tariffs on Indian exports to 18 percent, a rate slightly lower than the 19 percent faced by Pakistani goods, despite Islamabad’s extensive efforts in Washington that yielded no clear advantage.

The trade deal, unveiled on February 2 by US President Donald Trump, has not only been hailed in New Delhi as a diplomatic and economic achievement but has also triggered intense discussion and dissatisfaction in Pakistan. Critics argue that Islamabad’s high-profile diplomatic gestures including nominating Trump for the Nobel Peace Prize and backing his inclusion on a so-called “Board of Peace” failed to translate into better tariff terms or broader US support. 

In Pakistan’s social media sphere, many commentators expressed disbelief and frustration that India secured more favourable tariff treatment without what they describe as excessive deference to the US administration, while Pakistan ended up with a relatively higher tariff burden despite its outreach efforts. One widely shared post mocked the situation, drawing a comparison that portrayed Pakistan’s diplomatic efforts as unreciprocated favors that ultimately went unrewarded. 

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Political voices within Pakistan’s opposition have been equally critical. Some former ministers and commentators described the outcome as a failure of Islamabad’s strategy, suggesting that the government relied too heavily on personal diplomacy instead of leveraging economic strength and regional positioning. They argued that effective foreign policy requires more than ceremonial gestures and should focus on substantive economic outcomes.

Journalists and digital creators also weighed in, warning that the tariff decision could compound broader economic challenges facing Pakistan, such as dwindling exports, reduced foreign investment, and diminished bargaining power in international trade. One commentator bluntly stated that “you cannot buy respect,” alluding to the perception that Pakistan’s overtures to the US have not delivered tangible benefits. 

Meanwhile, in India, the new trade pact is expected to strengthen economic ties with the United States and boost exports, with official and business circles largely welcoming the tariff reductions as a positive step forward.

The narrative in Pakistan underscores rising domestic scrutiny over foreign policy effectiveness and suggests that the optics of international agreements can be as influential as their economic content.