Washington: US Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated on Saturday that the US seeks to strengthen its relationship with Pakistan, however not on the expense of India.
In keeping with media experiences, Rubio emphasised that Washington and Islamabad have already collaborated on counter-terrorism efforts, and this cooperation is not going to hurt the sturdy friendship with New Delhi.
When requested if India had expressed concern over the US-Pakistan closeness, he praised Indian diplomacy, saying officers in New Delhi perceive that sustaining relationships with a number of nations is important. He added that each nation has its strategic companions, and it is a signal of cautious and considerate overseas coverage.
Renewing Strategic Friendship With Pakistan
Requested whether or not the renewed friendship with Pakistan was linked to America and President Trump’s “position in stopping struggle between India and Pakistan”, he clarified that the discussions started lengthy earlier than and that the US goals to rebuild strategic cooperation with Pakistan.
He added that the 2 nations can now work collectively on a number of shared priorities.
“We all know there are longstanding tensions between India and Pakistan, however our job is to seek out paths of friendship with as many nations as attainable. We’ve got labored with Pakistan towards terrorism and now intention to increase that cooperation. This is not going to come at the price of our sturdy ties with India or another nation,” Rubio stated.
He reaffirmed that US efforts with Pakistan is not going to undermine the friendship with India.
Ties Strengthened After Operation Sindoor
Relations between Pakistan and the US strengthened considerably in Could this 12 months, following India’s Operation Sindoor.
Trump stated on Could 10 that his mediation had introduced India and Pakistan to a full and instant ceasefire, a declare India outrightly denied however Pakistan supported. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif had even nominated him for the Nobel Peace Prize for his position.
In June, Pakistan Military Chief Asim Munir held a secret assembly with Trump. Later, in September, Sharif and Munir met Trump on the White Home, with the Pakistani prime minister reportedly referring to the US president as a “peace ambassador”.
On Could 10, Trump tweeted that after prolonged talks mediated by the US, India and Pakistan had agreed to an instantaneous and full ceasefire.
Proposal For A Port In Balochistan
This month, advisers to Munir proposed to the US the event of a brand new port in Pasni, Balochistan, alongside the Arabian Sea. Reuters reported that Pakistan needs American traders to construct and function the port, situated simply 112 km from China’s Gwadar Port.
The proposal specifies that the port will serve business and mineral functions solely, with no permission for a US navy base. It could give the US simpler entry to Pakistan’s key minerals, together with copper and antimony.
Rising Commerce Between US And Pakistan
In 2024, commerce between the US and Pakistan reached $10.1 billion, a 6.3% enhance from 2023. The US exported $2.1 billion and imported $5.1 billion, leaving a commerce deficit of $3 billion.
Trump imposed 19% tariffs on Pakistan, in comparison with 50% on India. Consultants say this displays America’s technique to preserve Pakistan nearer and China at a distance.