Washington: Defending Washington’s ongoing diplomatic engagement with Islamabad amidst terrorism concerns, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated that maintaining ties with Pakistan is a geopolitical necessity due to its nuclear capabilities. Drawing a strategic parallel, Rubio noted that just as India maintains relations with Iran, the United States must keep its communication channels open with Pakistan.
During a recent interview, the US Secretary of State condemned global terrorism but offered a pragmatic rationale for continuing diplomatic dialogue with Islamabad. When questioned about why Washington sustains these ties despite underlying tensions, Rubio pointed to Pakistan’s nuclear arsenal and its critical geographical position.
“We are against terrorism happening anywhere in the world. We are against all those who promote terrorism,” Rubio asserted. However, he emphasised that isolating Pakistan is not a viable option. He explained that continuous diplomatic conversations allow Washington to potentially prevent or discourage activities that trigger security concerns for New Delhi.
“I think in a way this can be a positive thing. If we have relations and we can talk to them, it can help us. Maybe we can help stop things that India is concerned about,” he stated.
To illustrate his point, Rubio drew a direct comparison to New Delhi’s foreign policy approach. He noted that geographically, the US needs to remain capable of interacting with Pakistan, exactly in the same manner that the Indian government finds it necessary to engage and hold meetings with Iranian leaders.
Acknowledging the complexities of modern diplomacy, Rubio admitted that balancing relations with nations where fundamental differences exist is challenging but remains an essential component of US foreign policy.
Addressing questions regarding his previous legislative proposals to cut financial aid to Pakistan over its support for anti-India terror groups, Rubio highlighted the shift in his responsibilities. “In my new role, I am no longer a Senator but the Secretary of State. I have to handle America’s foreign policy. For this, it is necessary that we maintain relations with other countries, even if we have differences with them on some issues,” he explained, underlining his mandate to manage America’s broader international agenda.