Kuala Lumpur: US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has assured that while the United States seeks to strengthen strategic ties with Pakistan, it will not come at the expense of its deep and historic relationship with India.
Speaking to journalists in Kuala Lumpur ahead of his meeting with Indian External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Monday, Rubio addressed concerns about the evolving US-Pakistan dynamic.
Rubio acknowledged India’s apprehensions but emphasised the maturity of its diplomacy. “India understands we engage with multiple nations. Our growing ties with Pakistan won’t undermine the significant bond with India,” he said.
The comments come amid a noticeable thaw in US-Pakistan relations, sparked by a May meeting between US President Donald Trump and Pakistan’s army chief, General Asim Munir, at the White House, following a military skirmish between India and Pakistan.
Pakistan credited Trump for brokering a ceasefire, a claim India has consistently rejected. Rubio also touched on India’s energy ties with Russia, noting that India has expressed interest in diversifying its crude oil sources. “If India diversifies its oil portfolio, purchases from the US could increase, reducing reliance on others,” he added, hinting at potential trade opportunities.
As global geopolitics shift, Rubio’s remarks underscore the US’s delicate balancing act in South Asia, aiming to deepen cooperation with Pakistan while preserving its robust partnership with India.
The upcoming talks with Jaishankar are expected to further reinforce this commitment.