Mumbai (The COW News Digital)US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has said that maintaining relations with Pakistan is important for Washington because of the country’s nuclear capabilities and strategic geographic location.
In an interview with Indian television network News18, Rubio explained that the United States must maintain diplomatic engagement with countries even when disagreements exist on certain issues.
He described Pakistan’s nuclear status and geographical position as important considerations in Washington’s approach to Islamabad, stressing that continued communication remains necessary despite differences between the two countries.
Rubio compared the US approach towards Pakistan with India’s relationship with Iran. He said that just as India needs to maintain ties with Tehran and engage with its leadership, the United States also has reasons to preserve its relationship with Pakistan.
The US secretary of state acknowledged that balancing relations with different countries can be challenging. However, he described such engagement as an essential part of American foreign policy, particularly in a region where competing interests and security concerns often overlap.
According to Rubio, maintaining communication with Pakistan can also help Washington discourage actions that concern India. His remarks highlighted the importance of diplomatic channels in addressing regional security issues and managing differences between neighbouring countries.
Rubio also reiterated the US position against terrorism and support for terrorist activities, saying Washington opposes terrorism and its sponsorship anywhere in the world.
The comments come amid continuing discussions about US-Pakistan relations, regional stability and the diplomatic challenges facing Washington as it engages with countries that have differing strategic priorities.
Pakistan’s nuclear capabilities and its location in South Asia make its relationship with the United States an important element of broader regional diplomacy. At the same time, Washington maintains relations with India, a key regional partner, while New Delhi continues to pursue its own diplomatic and economic interests with Iran.
Rubio’s comparison underlined the balancing act involved in maintaining relationships with multiple countries whose interests do not always align.
His remarks did not suggest that all disagreements between Washington and Islamabad had been resolved. Instead, they emphasised the importance of continued engagement as a means of managing differences and addressing shared security concerns.
The interview offers insight into the US administration’s stated rationale for keeping diplomatic channels open with Pakistan while maintaining its wider relationships across South Asia and the Middle East.
