Rubio Defends Pakistan-US Ties, Reassures India on Counterterrorism

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has reassured India that closer ties with Pakistan will not undermine bilateral relations, stressing that Washington and New Delhi share concerns about terrorism.

In an exclusive interview with India Today on Thursday, Rubio said, "In no way does the relationship with Pakistan come at the expense of our relationship with India.” He added that Washington and New Delhi "share the same concerns... about terrorism.”

Rubio Says Terrorism Remains a Shared Concern 

Rubio reiterated that Washington shares New Delhi’s concerns about terrorism, assuring India that closer ties with Pakistan would not come at the expense of US-India relations.

The interview was held at Mumbai’s Taj Mahal Palace Hotel, one of the sites targeted in the November 2008 terror attacks.

Rubio’s remarks addressed growing concerns over how Washington plans to balance its engagement with Islamabad while taking India’s security priorities into account.

He also cited US counterterrorism operations to underline Washington’s stated commitment to fighting terrorism and extremism.

“No country in the world does more to go after terrorism than the United States,” he said, citing American operations against the Islamic State and Al-Qaeda, including the operation that killed Al-Qaeda founder Osama bin Laden. 

Strategic Necessity or Diplomatic Balancing Act? 

While reassuring India, Rubio made clear that Washington does not intend to cut ties with Pakistan.

He cited its nuclear capabilities and strategic location as reasons to maintain diplomatic channels despite disagreements.

Continued engagement, he argued, could give the US greater influence over Pakistan’s decisions. “I think it allows us to have, hopefully, more influence over the decisions they make on a variety of topics,” he said.

Washington’s approach, Rubio suggested, reflects a practical calculation — maintaining ties with Pakistan does not mean endorsing all its policies, nor does it diminish the US partnership with India.

Washington Backs Dialogue to Prevent Regional Escalation 

Rubio acknowledged the strained relationship between India and Pakistan, saying Washington was prepared to intervene and help ease tensions from escalating into a wider conflict.

“The tensions between the two countries are well understood. The United States is prepared to play a constructive role because we'd prefer not to see war,” he said.

He added that Washington would rather see the two neighbours pursue business, commerce and cooperation than risk another war. Rubio argued that maintaining ties with Islamabad could give the US an opportunity to discourage actions that heighten tensions with New Delhi.

However, his remarks outline Washington’s intended diplomatic approach rather than demonstrate that US engagement has eased India’s security concerns or reduced terrorism.

The Wider Stakes in India-U.S. Relations 

Rubio’s remarks come as India and the US seek to expand cooperation in trade, energy, defence and technology. His visit therefore extends beyond US-Pakistan ties, as both countries work to manage differences while sustaining their broader partnership.

Washington’s challenge is to convince New Delhi that engagement with Islamabad can coexist with a firm commitment to counterterrorism and strong ties with India. 

For India, the value of those assurances will depend on how US policy translates into action.

Rubio’s central message is that Washington views its relationships with India and Pakistan as compatible. Whether that balance can promote regional stability will depend on how effectively US engagement addresses the security concerns dividing the two neighbours.