Kamal Ghorui
Pakistan Senator Mushahid Hussain on Tuesday raised concerns over the deepening relationship between India and the United Arab Emirates, warning that growing ties between the two countries could have long-term geopolitical implications. Speaking to Dunya News, Hussain defended Islamabad’s decision to repay billions of dollars in loans to the UAE, framing it not as an obligation but as support for a “brother in need”. He argued that the Gulf nation was under strain due to regional conflicts and financial outflows, claiming Pakistan had a historic responsibility to assist. Referring to ties dating back to Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, he said Pakistan had played a key role in building the UAE, including training its armed forces.
“They are stuck and helpless now,” Hussain said, citing the UAE’s involvement in conflicts such as Yemen and Sudan, as well as significant financial commitments abroad. He also referenced US President Donald Trump while alleging large-scale financial outflows from the Gulf state.Pointing to the large Indian expatriate population, Hussain said: “Pay attention that the friendly ties with them do not land you up as part of Akhand Bharat.” The comments come as Pakistan prepares to return around $3.5 billion to the UAE, funds originally extended in 2019 through the Abu Dhabi Fund for Development to support Islamabad’s balance of payments. Officials described the repayment as a matter of “national dignity”, even as it places pressure on foreign exchange reserves, currently estimated at about $16.3 billion.The repayment also coincides with Pakistan’s commitments under an International Monetary Fund programme, which requires securing billions in external financing from allies including China, Saudi Arabia and the UAE.Amid these developments, criticism of Pakistan’s broader strategic positioning has also emerged from Washington. Former Pentagon official Michael Rubin dismissed Islamabad’s military credibility, saying it often exaggerated its capabilities and was unlikely to play any meaningful role in potential US operations linked to the escalating Iran crisis.
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As tensions rise in the region, including threats by Trump against Iran over the Strait of Hormuz, Pakistan’s balancing act between financial pressures, regional alliances and diplomatic ambitions appears increasingly complex.
