Trump: U.S. to develop Pakistan oil reserves.
Trump Announces U.S.-Pakistan Oil Deal, Mentions Future Sales to India
In a surprise announcement on his social media platform Truth Social, former U.S. President Donald Trump claimed that the United States is partnering with Pakistan to develop what he described as the country’s “massive oil reserves.” The post, which quickly gained traction online, hinted at the selection of an oil company to lead the exploration and extraction efforts, though specific details remained scarce.
“We’re working closely with Pakistan to choose the right American energy company to begin tapping into their incredible — truly massive — oil reserves,” Trump wrote. “It’s a big deal. Great for both countries. Maybe we’ll even sell to India some day — who knows?”
The statement marks a significant shift in U.S. foreign policy rhetoric and has raised eyebrows among analysts, given the historical volatility in U.S.-Pakistan relations and the sensitive nature of energy diplomacy in South Asia.
An Unexpected PartnershipTrump’s announcement appears to signal a warming of ties with Islamabad, a development that could reshape geopolitical dynamics in the region. While Pakistan has long relied on Gulf countries and China for energy partnerships and investment, an energy collaboration with the U.S. could open new avenues — both economically and diplomatically.
However, many questions remain unanswered. Trump did not specify the location of these supposed “massive oil reserves,” nor has there been any recent independent confirmation of significant new oil discoveries in Pakistan. The country does have modest onshore reserves in regions such as Sindh and Balochistan, but nothing on record that could be classified as “massive” by global standards.
Neither the U.S. State Department nor the Pakistani government has officially confirmed the deal. In Washington, officials have so far refrained from commenting on the former president’s remarks, possibly to avoid signaling policy shifts that haven’t been fully vetted.
In Islamabad, the response has been more cautious. A senior energy ministry official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said, “We are always open to strategic partnerships in the energy sector, but we have no formal announcement to make at this time.”
This has left many observers wondering whether Trump’s statement reflects an actual agreement or is more aspirational in nature — perhaps part of his campaign narrative as he seeks re-election in 2024.
Skepticism Over Oil ClaimsEnergy experts are particularly skeptical about the scale Trump described. “There’s no public geological data supporting the idea of ‘massive’ untapped oil fields in Pakistan,” said Dr. Sarah Watkins, a senior analyst at the Global Energy Institute. “Pakistan has been exploring its oil potential for decades, and while there are known deposits, nothing on the scale of what Mr. Trump suggests has ever been confirmed.”
She added that any significant oil development would require years of investment, regulatory approvals, and geopolitical risk assessments, particularly given Pakistan’s proximity to volatile regions and its ongoing economic challenges.
India in the Mix?Trump’s mention of potentially selling oil to India adds another layer of complexity to the story. While India is the world’s third-largest oil consumer, it currently sources most of its crude from the Middle East and Russia. Buying oil extracted from Pakistan would represent a radical shift — not just in trade but also in bilateral relations between the long-time rivals.
Analysts say the idea is far-fetched given current tensions between New Delhi and Islamabad, though some note that energy needs sometimes override political barriers.
“This feels more like a headline than a strategy,” said Karan Mehta, a geopolitical analyst based in New Delhi. “But energy diplomacy has surprised us before.”
The Bigger PictureRegardless of whether this oil deal materializes, Trump’s announcement underscores the growing role energy policy is playing in his foreign affairs messaging. During his presidency, Trump emphasized energy independence and American dominance in fossil fuel production. Reviving that narrative now, especially in the context of international partnerships, may be aimed at energizing his political base.
For Pakistan, even the possibility of U.S. investment in its energy sector could be a much-needed boost for its struggling economy, which has faced inflation, debt crises, and dwindling foreign reserves in recent years.
As of now, however, the deal remains more of a diplomatic curiosity than a concrete policy shift. Both countries will likely weigh the risks and rewards before moving forward. Until then, the world will watch and wait to see whether Trump’s bold claims lead to real-world barrels — or just more headlines.