Overview
- U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio told Indian media that Washington needs a relationship with Pakistan for geographic reasons and because Pakistan possesses nuclear weapons.
- Rubio made the remarks during a visit to India while Washington and New Delhi were negotiating on trade, defense cooperation and regional security.
- He compared U.S. ties with Pakistan to India’s relations with Iran and said regular communication with Islamabad could help the United States discourage actions that worry India.
- Rubio framed engagement as part of his duty as secretary of state and reiterated that the United States opposes terrorism and any state or individual who supports it.
- Recent reporting notes Pakistan has raised its diplomatic profile by brokering talks between Washington and Tehran and is seeking better trade terms with the United States, a development that could shape future U.S.-Pakistan talks.