US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has clarified that America’s renewed engagement with Pakistan will not weaken its long-standing partnership with India. Speaking to reporters aboard his flight to Doha before the ASEAN Summit in Malaysia, Rubio said this reflects a “mature, pragmatic foreign policy.”
He explained that just as India maintains relations with countries the US does not, the same logic applies to Washington’s global approach. “We see an opportunity to expand our strategic relationship with Pakistan,” Rubio said. “I don’t think anything we’re doing with Pakistan comes at the expense of our relationship or friendship with India.”
He further added, “Vice versa applies. 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.”
Trump Pushes for Closer Ties with Pakistan
Rubio’s comments came shortly after US President Donald Trump praised Pakistan’s leadership during his ASEAN address. Trump called Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Army Chief Asim Munir “great people” and said he planned to “quickly” help resolve the Pakistan-Afghanistan conflict.
This renewed outreach marks a shift in Washington’s South Asia strategy as the US tries to balance relations with both regional rivals while focusing on stability and counterterrorism efforts.
Acknowledging Challenges in India-US Relations
Rubio admitted there are ongoing challenges between India and the United States, particularly over trade and energy policies. He mentioned friction over Trump’s tariffs on Indian goods and India’s continued purchase of Russian oil.
“We’re fully aware of the challenges with India, but our job is to create opportunities for partnerships where possible,” he said, emphasizing that both sides remain committed to deepening cooperation.
Context: Tensions After Operation Sindoor
His comments also came in the backdrop of Trump’s earlier claims that he helped broker a ceasefire between India and Pakistan following “Operation Sindoor,” India’s military response to the Pahalgam terror attack by Pakistan-backed militants.
India strongly rejected those claims, saying it was Pakistan’s Director General of Military Operations (DGMO) who first reached out. New Delhi accused Islamabad of using the situation to gain political mileage and even nominating Trump for a Nobel Peace Prize.
Strengthening Strategic Partnerships
Rubio reaffirmed that Washington remains committed to maintaining balanced and constructive ties with both South Asian nations. He also confirmed plans to meet India’s External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar during the ASEAN Summit to discuss trade, defense, and regional security cooperation.
Rubio concluded by stressing that the US and India “remain close allies” and that strengthening mutual trust and strategic coordination is a key priority for the Biden administration.