US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has said that the United States sees a strong opportunity to expand its strategic partnership with Pakistan, emphasising that this cooperation will not come at the expense of Washington’s relationship with India.
Secretary Rubio stated that the US is willing to work with Pakistan on shared interests and areas of mutual benefit. He said that while India may have historical concerns due to its disputes with Pakistan, Washington’s approach is guided by pragmatism and common goals.
Rubio noted that diplomatic engagement with Pakistan had begun even before the Indo-Pak conflict, with the US expressing interest in rebuilding an alliance and fostering a strategic partnership.
“There are many issues on which we can work together with Pakistan,” he added.
The Secretary clarified that deepening ties with Islamabad does not imply weakening relations with New Delhi. “We want to expand cooperation with Pakistan, but not at the expense or instead of a good relationship with India, or anybody else for that matter,” Rubio said.
He emphasized that the US has a long history of partnerships with both countries and intends to maintain a balanced approach. “India itself has relations with some countries that we do not, and that’s part of how diplomacy works,” he remarked.
Shared interests in security and regional stability
Rubio highlighted that Pakistan and the United States have collaborated for decades on counterterrorism and regional security. “We’ve had a long history of partnering with Pakistan on counterterror and things of that nature. We’d like to expand it further if possible,” he said.
Acknowledging potential challenges, he said Washington is aware that there will be “some difficulties and some challenges,” but views the strengthening of ties as an encouraging step.
