WASHINGTON: US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said India has not formally objected to growing US-Pakistan relations. However, Washington is aware of India’s concerns. He stressed that expanding partnerships with Pakistan does not come at the expense of relations with other countries.
During a weekly press briefing, Rubio was asked whether India expressed any worries about closer US-Pakistan ties. He replied that India has not protested, but their concerns are understandable due to ongoing Pakistan-India tensions. He called India’s concerns natural and expected in the current regional context.
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Rubio explained that the US maintains relations with multiple countries and must balance strategic partnerships. He said Washington sees opportunities to expand ties with Pakistan while respecting concerns of other nations. He emphasized that strategic cooperation with Pakistan strengthens shared interests rather than undermining others.
The secretary also highlighted that India maintains relations with countries that the US does not. He added that such differences are normal in foreign policy. Rubio stressed that US actions with Pakistan are aimed at creating new opportunities, not harming ties with India.
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Rubio further noted the long-standing counterterrorism cooperation between the US and Pakistan. He said Washington seeks to expand collaboration in multiple areas. He concluded that improvements in Pakistan-US relations are encouraging and do not negatively affect relations with India or other countries.