US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the United States sees an opportunity to expand its strategic relationship with Pakistan, and that the recent strengthening of these ties will not negatively impact Washington’s friendship with New Delhi.
During a press briefing on Sunday, Secretary Rubio addressed a question about potential Indian reservations regarding the “strengthening ties” between the US and Pakistan. He stated that India had not expressed any specific concerns, though they are naturally worried due to the historical tensions between the two nations. However, he emphasized that India must understand that the US needs to maintain relations with many different countries.
Rubio insisted, “We see an opportunity to expand our strategic partnership with Pakistan… and it’s our job to find countries with which we can work on things of common interest.” He made it clear, “I don’t think anything we’re doing with Pakistan comes at the expense of our friendship or relationship with India, which is deep, historic, and important.” He described Indian diplomacy as very mature and pragmatic.
When asked about the key turning point for the recent improvement in US-Pakistan relations—specifically, whether it was an acknowledgment of the US’s role in preventing a potential war between India and Pakistan—Rubio confirmed that Pakistani officials “expressed appreciation.” He added that he had already reached out to Pakistan before the conflict, indicating a desire to rebuild a strategic partnership.
He explained that the US wants to evolve its long history of counter-terrorism cooperation with Pakistan into a broader strategic partnership.
The relationship has seen several significant recent developments:
Conflict Mediation: Pakistan acknowledged US President Donald Trump’s role in de-escalating the four-day tension with India.
High-Level Visits: Army Chief Field Marshal Asim Munir visited the US twice this year and met with President Trump.
Economic Cooperation: Pakistan and the US are advancing toward a major agreement for the export of Rare Earth Minerals. The US company US Strategic Metals (USSM) intends to invest approximately $500 million to establish mineral processing facilities in the country.
