US Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated on Thursday that Washington’s relationship with Pakistan will not come at the expense of its enduring strategic partnership with India, emphasising that both democracies share common concerns regarding counter-terrorism.
Speaking from Mumbai’s historic Taj Mahal Palace Hotel—a primary site of the 2008 26/11 terror attacks—Rubio addressed concerns over recent US-Pakistan engagements during an interview. He argued that maintaining diplomatic communication with Islamabad enables Washington to exert greater influence and discourage actions that threaten regional security.
“In no way does the relationship with Pakistan come at the expense of our relationship with India,” Rubio asserted, reiterating America’s global commitment to dismantling terrorist organisations like ISIS and Al-Qaeda.
Highlighting the long-standing strains between the South Asian neighbours, Rubio expressed Washington’s willingness to play a constructive role in easing bilateral friction. Stating that the US prefers to prevent any potential conflict, he urged a shift toward business, commerce, and economic development to foster long-term stability across the region.
