U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio clarified that Washington’s renewed engagement with Pakistan will not come at the cost of its historic and strategic ties with India. Speaking ahead of the ASEAN Summit in Malaysia, Rubio emphasized America’s balanced diplomacy in South Asia, calling India a “deep, historic, and important friend.”
🇺🇸 Rubio Balances Diplomatic Tightrope Between India and Pakistan
As the Biden administration navigates shifting geopolitical realities in Asia, Rubio said the U.S. sees an opportunity to expand strategic relations with Pakistan, particularly in security and counterterrorism cooperation.
However, he underlined that India’s concerns were understandable given regional dynamics.
“New Delhi is concerned for obvious reasons,” Rubio said. “But I don’t think anything we’re doing with Pakistan comes at the expense of our relationship or friendship with India.”
He added that both Washington and New Delhi understand the complexities of diplomacy.
“India has relationships with countries we don’t, and vice versa. This is part of a mature and pragmatic foreign policy,” Rubio noted.
India-U.S. Partnership Remains ‘Deep and Historic’
Rubio reiterated that India remains one of Washington’s most important partners in Asia, especially in defense, technology, and energy security.
The Secretary of State is scheduled to meet India’s External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar on the sidelines of the ASEAN Summit. The meeting is expected to focus on Indo-Pacific security, trade diversification, and energy cooperation.
“Our friendship with India is historic and strategic. We’re committed to strengthening it further,” Rubio said, signaling continuity in U.S. policy toward India despite its outreach to Islamabad.
India’s Oil Diversification and the Russia Question
Rubio also addressed questions about India’s ongoing purchase of Russian oil amid Western sanctions. He acknowledged that New Delhi has already expressed interest in diversifying its crude oil sources, adding that the U.S. supports India’s efforts to balance affordability and strategic autonomy.
“If India diversifies its portfolio, the more they buy from us or other partners, the less they’ll depend on any single source,” he said.
“We understand India’s priorities and respect its independent policy choices.”
This comment comes as Washington continues to encourage India to align more closely with Western supply chains and reduce dependence on Moscow.
A Changing South Asian Equation
In recent months, U.S.-Pakistan ties have shown signs of revival, particularly after President Donald Trump’s meeting with Pakistan Army Chief Field Marshal Asim Munir. The two discussed regional stability following tensions between India and Pakistan earlier this year.
While Islamabad credited the U.S. for mediating a ceasefire, New Delhi has firmly rejected such claims, asserting that India does not accept third-party mediation in bilateral issues.
Despite these diplomatic undercurrents, Rubio’s statements suggest Washington is pursuing a multi-vector approach in South Asia — one that keeps both India and Pakistan engaged without alienating either.
Expert Take: Realpolitik in Action
Analysts view Rubio’s remarks as a reflection of American realpolitik — maintaining strategic flexibility amid shifting global alliances.
“The U.S. needs Pakistan for regional counterterrorism and Afghanistan stability, while India remains vital for Indo-Pacific strategy. Balancing both is essential,” says Dr. Arjun Mehta, a New Delhi–based foreign policy expert.
With China’s growing influence in South Asia and the broader Indo-Pacific, Washington’s dual engagement could serve as a strategic counterbalance, ensuring the U.S. remains an active player in the region’s future.