ISLAMABAD: US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has said that Washington maintains relations with Pakistan for strategic and geographical reasons, adding that engagement with Islamabad could help address India’s security concerns.
Speaking in an interview with Indian media, Rubio said the United States opposed terrorism anywhere in the world and stood against any individual or country that sponsors terrorism.
Rubio acknowledged that the United States has relations with Pakistan and stressed the importance of maintaining those ties from a geographical and strategic perspective.
Drawing a comparison with India’s relations with Iran, the US secretary of state said that just as the Indian government needed to maintain ties with Tehran and held meetings with Iranian leaders, Washington also needed to maintain relations with Islamabad.
Rubio further suggested that continued engagement with Pakistan could serve American interests and potentially help ease India’s concerns.
“If we talk to them, perhaps that can help us,” Rubio said, indicating that US relations with Pakistan could provide an opportunity to play a role in addressing concerns raised by India.
His remarks highlight Washington’s approach of maintaining diplomatic engagement with both India and Pakistan, despite their longstanding differences, while continuing to oppose terrorism and seeking regional stability.
The comments also underscore the strategic importance of Pakistan in US foreign policy, particularly given its geographical position and its potential role in regional diplomatic efforts.