Overview
- American and Pakistani soldiers concluded Exercise Inspired Gambit at Pakistan’s National Counter-Terrorism Center in Pabbi on January 16, focusing on combined infantry skills and counterterrorism tactics.
- U.S. Central Command confirmed the training and said such drills strengthen long-standing defense ties between the two militaries.
- Reporting indicates the U.S. approved advanced upgrades for Pakistan’s F-16 fleet in December, a package valued at roughly $686 million.
- President Donald Trump has repeatedly praised Pakistan’s army chief, Field Marshal Asim Munir, and publicly acknowledged Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, signaling warmer political messaging.
- Pakistan has signaled openness to joining a U.S.-led Gaza stabilisation force, while India’s Congress party criticized the joint drill as a setback to New Delhi’s diplomacy.