US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has compared Washington’s need to maintain relations with Pakistan to India’s diplomatic ties with Iran, despite disagreements between the countries.

Speaking to India’s Network18 during his visit, Rubio said Pakistan’s nuclear weapons and strategic location made it important for the United States to maintain contact with Islamabad. He argued that diplomatic engagement was necessary even when countries disagreed on major issues.

Rubio Says Pakistan Ties Could Help India

Rubio said keeping communication channels open with Pakistan could help Washington discourage actions that concern India.

He also reiterated that the United States opposes terrorism and countries that support it. However, he said his role as secretary of state required him to manage relations with countries that have conflicting interests.

Pakistan-US Relations

Relations between Washington and Islamabad have received renewed attention under President Donald Trump, particularly after his administration’s involvement in efforts to ease tensions between Pakistan and India.

Pakistan has also played a diplomatic role in efforts to reduce tensions between the United States and Iran, giving Islamabad another channel to engage with Washington on regional issues.

Rubio’s remarks underline the US position that maintaining relations with Pakistan does not necessarily mean sacrificing its partnership with India. Washington continues to pursue cooperation with both countries while balancing competing security and strategic interests.