Sign in Subscribe
Pakistani foreign relations

US Seeks to Expand Strategic Relationship with Pakistan without Compromising Ties with India

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

Secretary of State Marco Rubio has stated that the US sees an opportunity to strengthen its strategic relationship with Pakistan, and that this does not come at the expense of Washington's relationship with New Delhi. Rubio, speaking during a press briefing on Saturday, emphasized that the US aims to create opportunities for partnerships with countries where it is possible, including Pakistan, while being aware of the challenges with regards to India.

Key Takeaways:

  • The US seeks to expand its strategic relationship with Pakistan without compromising its ties with India, according to Secretary of State Marco Rubio.
  • Rubio stated that the US is fully aware of the challenges with regards to India, but aims to create opportunities for partnerships with countries like Pakistan.
  • US President Donald Trump has expressed interest in assisting with establishing peace between Pakistan and Afghanistan, calling Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and COAS Field Marshal Asim Munir "great people".
  • Trump claimed that he can quickly solve the conflict between Pakistan and Afghanistan, referring to it as "one of eight wars" that his administration has ended in just eight months.
  • The US president expressed willingness to get involved in mediating the border dispute between Pakistan and Afghanistan, stating that he is "good at solving wars" and "making peace".
  • Rubio emphasized the importance of a mature and pragmatic foreign policy, stating that the US has to figure out how to work with multiple countries on issues of common interest.
  • The secretary of state reiterated that the US had a long history of partnering with Pakistan on counterterror and other issues, and would like to expand this partnership beyond counterterrorism.

Statistics:

  • The US has ended eight wars in eight months, with one conflict left to resolve (according to President Trump).
  • The US is averaging one war ended per month, with a total of eight wars resolved in the past year.
  • The US has reportedly had a long history of partnering with Pakistan on counterterror and other issues.
  • The US aims to expand its strategic relationship with Pakistan beyond counterterrorism.

Sources:

  • State Department's website (transcript of Secretary of State Marco Rubio's press briefing on Saturday).
  • Daily Times (article on US President Donald Trump's comments on the conflict between Pakistan and Afghanistan).
  • ASEAN summit (address by President Trump on the sidelines of the summit).

Read more