Former RAW (Research and Analysis Wing) chief Amarjit Singh Dulat has praised Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir’s recent luncheon meeting with US President Donald Trump, calling it a significant development in Pakistan’s diplomatic relations and a moment deserving of national celebration.
Speaking to media persons during an exclusive interview at King’s College, Dulat discussed his newly published book The Chief Minister and the Spy, and reflected on the broader geopolitical implications of Munir’s high-profile visit to Washington.
“I congratulate Field Marshal Asim Munir. Congratulations to the people of Pakistan,” said Dulat. “This meeting was a huge diplomatic achievement. He should now visit India, meet Modi Ji at Hyderabad House, and perhaps go to Amritsar. I believe hardlines can soften — remember when Modi attended Nawaz Sharif’s granddaughter’s wedding in 2015? Things can improve if someone takes the first step. Imran Khan is in jail, so the Field Marshal or Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif could lead.”
Dulat acknowledged that relations between India and Pakistan remain frozen, particularly following the recent conflict, but expressed optimism that engagement is still possible. Referring to Munir’s two-hour-long luncheon at the Cabinet Room and visit to the Oval Office, Dulat said the event marked a first in US-Pakistan military relations and was a positive signal.
“This has never happened before. It’s a big moment for Pakistan, and I commend them. But don’t stop there — now come to India as well,” he added.
He also remarked on the US-Pakistan relationship, noting that Pakistan has always found opportunities to strengthen ties with Washington and that this visit by the army chief reflects that continuing trend.
Dulat, a veteran intelligence officer, called for direct communication between India and Pakistan, warning that another war would be catastrophic for both nuclear-armed nations.
“There should never be war between India and Pakistan. The recent conflict was brief, and that’s a good thing,” he said.
Regarding the Pahalgam attack, which triggered the latest skirmish, Dulat admitted there was no direct evidence linking Pakistan to the incident.
“There’s often no solid evidence in these cases. If the militants were caught, we might have had proof. But they vanished. That’s what they do. Intelligence failures happen globally. Still, in India, there’s little doubt about Pakistan’s involvement,” he noted.
Dulat candidly said that Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s retaliatory strikes on Pakistan were a political necessity.
He also expressed deep admiration for Pakistan’s hospitality, recalling his four visits between 2010 and 2012 post-retirement.
“I’m the only former RAW chief who visited Pakistan four times. Their hospitality is unmatched — we can’t compete with it. I thoroughly enjoyed my visits,” he shared.
He spoke warmly of his friendship with former ISI Director General Lt. Gen. (R) Asad Durrani, calling him “a great friend.”
