US Sees ‘Opportunity’ to Expand Strategic Ties with Pakistan

WASHINGTON — U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio has stated that Washington sees “an opportunity to expand its strategic relationship with Pakistan,” emphasizing that this engagement will not come at the expense of America’s long-standing friendship with India.

During a press briefing, Rubio was asked whether India had expressed concerns over the growing U.S.-Pakistan engagement. He acknowledged that India’s concerns were “understandable” given the historical tensions between the two South Asian neighbors, but stressed that the United States must maintain relationships with multiple partners.

“We see an opportunity to expand our strategic relationship with Pakistan,” Rubio said, describing it as part of Washington’s broader policy of working with nations where common interests align. He added that America’s evolving ties with Pakistan would not undermine its “deep, historic, and important” relationship with India.

Rubio also clarified that the renewed U.S.-Pakistan engagement began even before recent conflicts, noting the longstanding cooperation between the two countries, particularly in counterterrorism. He emphasized that Washington is keen to expand the partnership beyond security matters.

“This relationship has strengthened in a very encouraging way, and I don’t think it comes at the expense of our good relationship with India, or anybody else,” Rubio said.

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The statement comes amid improving ties between the U.S. and Pakistan after a period of diplomatic chill. A key early breakthrough occurred in March when Pakistan’s intelligence services handed over an Islamic State Khorasan operative responsible for the 2021 Kabul bombing that killed 180 people, including 13 U.S. soldiers.

Later, U.S. President Donald Trump brokered a ceasefire between Pakistan and India following a military confrontation in May 2025, the worst in decades. Citing his role in defusing tensions, Pakistan recommended Trump for the Nobel Peace Prize.

Trump has also repeatedly praised Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Asim Munir for their cooperation during his administration’s diplomatic efforts.