Rubio: US Seeks Stronger Pakistan Ties Without Harming India

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has affirmed that the United States is keen on enhancing its strategic engagement with Pakistan. He assured that this strategic outreach would not diminish the significance of America’s “deep, historic, and important” ties with India. Speaking to the press, Rubio articulated that such a multilateral approach to foreign policy is standard, where nations maintain diverse international relationships. “It’s part of a mature, pragmatic foreign policy,” he remarked. Rubio reiterated, “I don’t think anything we’re doing with Pakistan comes at the expense of our relationship or friendship with India, which is deep, historic, and important.” He acknowledged the complexities involved in India relations but stressed the US objective to foster partnerships where feasible. The longstanding collaboration with Pakistan, especially in counterterrorism efforts, is viewed positively, with aspirations to deepen it further. This declaration follows a period of sensitive diplomatic maneuvering between Washington and Islamabad. On another front, Rubio addressed the US perspective on India’s energy procurements, including from Russia. While the US has conveyed its preference for India to decrease such purchases, Rubio recognized India’s prerogative to diversify its energy portfolio and indicated that increased US oil sales to India are a possibility.