Amid geopolitical tensions between India and Pakistan, several prominent Indian news outlets, including CNN News18, India Today, CNBC TV18, Times of India, Financial Express, Deccan Herald and Economic Times among others reported that Pakistan's army chief Asim Munir was invitated to participate in the celebrations marking the 250-th anniversary of the US Army. The celebrations, which took place on June 14, 2025 coincided with the 79th birthday of US President Donald Trump.
The Pakistan Army promoted Asim Munir to the rank of field marshal after the recent conflict between the two countries, which intensified after India launched Operation Sindoor (on May 7) targeting terror bases in Pakistan, a fortnight after the dastardly terror attack in Kashmir's Pahalgam killed 26 civilians.
On June 11, News18 published a story titled "Pakistan COAS Asim Munir Invited to US Army Day Celebrations on June 14: Sources | Exclusive". According to the report, Pakistan's chief of army staff (COAS), Asim Munir, was invited by the US administration to attend the commemorative event. Citing 'top intelligence sources', News18 said that Munir would arrive in the United States by June 12.
On June 12, India Today also reported, citing 'top sources' that Munir confirmed his attendance at the ceremonial military parade on June 14 after Washington extended an invitation.
Deccan Herald also reported that the Trump administration invited Asim Munir to attend the US Army Day celebration on June 14.
Other news outlets, including the Times of India, Economic Times, and Financial Express, reported the same.
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Munir being invited to the US celebrations sparked outrage in India, with Opposition leaders calling it a major diplomatic setback for the country on a global scale. Congress MP Jairam Ramesh criticized the United States for extending an invitation to Munir, considering his incendiary rhetoric (calling Kashmir India's jugular vein) before the Pahalgam attack.
Fact Check
Firstly, Munir was nowhere to be seen in the June 14 parade, which was largely an affair limited to the US administration.
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Secondly, right before the parade, the White House categorically told some news publications that it had not invited any foreign military leaders, including Munir, to participate in the June 14 US Army parade.
The Quint cited an unnamed White House official as saying: "We never invited a foreign official... this is a celebration of 250 years of our Army and the United States of America."
Responding to widespread speculation—particularly reports originating from India—regarding Asim Munir's purported attendance, the official added:
"If a foreign military leader of that stature were to visit, established diplomatic protocols would be followed and public announcements made in advance. This appears to be a product of rumor-mongering, amplified by certain media circles. Just observe the timing."
Note that the unsubstantiated claims surfaced shortly after US Central Command's (CENTCOM) commander general Michael Kurilla, testified before the US House Armed Services Committee, where he commended Pakistan's ongoing counter-terrorism operations.
By June 14, several of the publications that reported on Munir being invited to the US Army parade have updated or revised these reports to say that the White House issued a denial of these reports. News18 was among the few that added a correction in its updated report.
To sum up, reports claiming Pakistan army chief Asim Munir was invited to the US Army's 250th anniversary parade are not true and have been denied by the US. Many Indian media news outlets seem to have misreported this owing to incorrect "source-based information".
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