Pakistan’s recent energy deal with the United States carries not only strategic value for India and China but could also reshape the political balance in the entire region.
A ship carrying American crude oil has left Houston and is expected to reach Karachi in October 2025. Once the oil arrives, the behind-the-scenes plans will become public.
Vehicles on Pakistan’s roads will be fueled with American petrol. While traffic may look the same, this marks a major shift in U.S.-Pakistan relations, possibly taking them back to the way they were decades ago.
Pakistan to Import Crude Oil from the U.S.
The United States and Pakistan have signed a new trade agreement. Under this deal, Cnergyico, Pakistan’s largest oil refining company, will import 1 million barrels of crude oil from America.
This was confirmed by Osama Qureshi, Vice Chairman of Cnergyico, to Reuters. The oil is expected to reach Pakistan by mid-October.
Plan to Develop Pakistan’s Oil Resources
Former U.S. President Donald Trump recently announced a deal to help develop Pakistan’s oil reserves.
On his social media platform, Truth Social, Trump even suggested that Pakistan might “sell oil to India” someday. While this might seem like a regular trade deal, it has much deeper political meaning.
U.S. Strategy: Win Pakistan Back
The energy deal has strategic importance not only for Pakistan but for the whole region, especially India and China.
The deal involves companies like Vitol and Cnergyico, and it comes at a time when the U.S. is worried about India’s increasing energy and defense ties with Russia.
By partnering with Pakistan again, the U.S. sees a chance to regain influence in a country it once called a “safe haven for terrorists.”
The Reality of Pakistan’s Oil Reserves
Despite Trump’s bold claims, Pakistan’s actual oil reserves are very limited. As of 2016, the country had only 353 million barrels of identified oil reserves—just 0.021% of the world’s total.
This isn’t enough to meet even two years of demand. Pakistan produces only 88,000 barrels of oil per day and imports 85% of its oil needs.
America’s Worry About China-Pakistan Ties
So why is the U.S. making a big deal out of this energy agreement? The real reason is strategic influence.
Since the U.S. stepped away from Pakistan, China has moved in. Over the past decade, Pakistan-China ties have grown very strong.
China’s Billions in Investment
China has been investing billions of dollars in Pakistan. A major example is the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).
Trump believes that reconnecting with Pakistan through oil deals can help reduce China’s grip. America’s true goal is to control Pakistan’s direction once again.
India Should Be Alert to U.S. Moves
India must be cautious about this changing equation. While the U.S. often calls India its “natural partner,” it is also planning to impose a 25% tariff on Indian goods.
The U.S. seems to ignore Pakistan’s history with terrorism and focus only on its own interests, changing positions whenever needed. India should take note of America’s dangerous strategy and be prepared.
