Overview

• Official White House images show Patel shaking hands with Pakistan’s Army Chief during a meeting President Trump hosted for Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Asim Munir.
• The photo drew heavy criticism on social platforms that focused on Patel’s Indian origin and Hindu faith.
• Opponents pointed to Munir’s past endorsement of the Two-Nation Theory and his remarks contrasting Hindus and Muslims.
• Supporters argued the greeting reflected standard diplomatic protocol for an American official engaging foreign visitors.
• There has been no formal statement from Patel reported, and the reaction follows recent India–Pakistan tensions after the Pahalgam attack and India’s Operation SINDOOR.