During a visit to India on October 20, 2026, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio defended Washington keeping ties with Pakistan, drawing a parallel to India maintaining diplomatic ties with Iran while speaking in an interview with Indian news channel Network18.
Rubio stated that Pakistan holds importance for the United States due to its geographical location and nuclear arsenal, making communication necessary despite any existing disagreements. As America's top diplomat, he noted that handling relations with various nations falls under his duties.
He added that ongoing communication with Pakistan might assist Washington in tackling issues brought up by India. Maintaining open diplomatic lines gives the United States a chance to dissuade actions troubling New Delhi, according to Rubio.
Rubio emphasized that the United States stands against terrorism and its supporters. These statements reflect Washington's attempt to balance its ties with India and Pakistan, two adjacent nations sharing a history of friction.
These comments arrive as India and the United States push forward with talks regarding security cooperation, energy, and trade. They also point out the strategic value of Pakistan to Washington, driven by its nuclear assets and positioning.
