Was Asim Munir invited to attend the US military parade? White House clears the air amid backlash

The grand US military parade barreled down Constitution Avenue on Saturday.

Updated on: Jun 15, 2025, 13:00:41 IST

By HT News Desk

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The White House on Sunday firmly denied reports claiming that Pakistan's Chief of Army Staff, Asim Munir, was invited to attend the grand US military parade.

Some media reports claimed that Asim Munir was invited to attend the US military parade. (AFP)

"This is false. No foreign military leaders were invited," a White House official was quoted as saying by The Hindu, pushing back on speculation that Munir was among the international figures asked to join the high-profile event.

The denial comes amid political backlash in India due to the media reports. The Congress party called it a ‘diplomatic setback' for India, more so in the aftermath of Operation Sindoor.

US military parade

The grand military parade that President Donald Trump had been wanting for years barreled down Constitution Avenue on Saturday with tanks, troops and a 21-gun salute, playing out against a counterpoint of protests around the country by those who decried the US leader as a dictator and would-be king.

The Republican president, on his 79th birthday, sat on a special viewing stand south of the White House to watch the display of American military might, which began early and moved swiftly as light rain fell and clouds shrouded the Washington Monument.

Also Read | Trump's military parade a big flop? Report reveals calls for seat fillers in exchange for $1,000 in crypto

“Every other country celebrates their victories. It’s about time America did too,” Trump declared in brief remarks at the parade's end.

During the event, the president praised the strength of the military's fighting forces and said US soldiers “fight, fight, fight and they win, win, win” — putting a new twist on a line that Trump regularly delivered during his 2024 campaign rallies after he survived an assassination attempt.

Protests erupt in the US amid military parade

Anti-Trump activists, including civil-rights groups and labour unions, organised the nationwide protest under the banner of “No Kings,” denouncing what they say are Trump’s authoritarian tendencies — and the parade being held on his 79th birthday.

Major demonstrations took place in Philadelphia, the cradle of US independence, and in Los Angeles, where the opposition to immigration raids prompted Trump to seize control of California’s National Guard and deploy US Marines.

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HT News Desk
Follow the latest breaking news, major developments and agenda-setting stories from India and around the world with the newsdesk at Hindustan Times. Operating round the clock, the desk brings together experienced editors, reporters and correspondents to deliver fast, accurate and contextual reporting across subjects that influence public policy, governance, business, society and international affairs. The HT News Desk covers politics, elections, government policies, the economy, business and markets, science and technology, the environment, law and order, infrastructure, education, climate issues and geopolitics, while closely tracking developments across states, institutions and global capitals. The team also leads coverage of major breaking news events, policy announcements, court proceedings, natural disasters, public emergencies and significant international developments. Reports published by the newsdesk are based on information gathered from reporters on the ground, official statements, government agencies, court records, regulatory filings, recognised institutions and other authoritative sources. Stories undergo editorial scrutiny and verification processes to ensure accuracy, fairness and relevance, and are updated as events evolve and additional information becomes available. Whether covering a key political decision in New Delhi, an economic policy shift affecting millions, a landmark court ruling or a major global event, the HT News Desk aims to provide readers with reliable, fact-based journalism that delivers not only the latest developments but also the context and analysis needed to understand their wider implications.Read More

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