US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the United States’ relationship with Pakistan would not undermine its partnership with India, stressing that Washington views its ties with the two countries separately.
Speaking during a three-day visit to India, Rubio met External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar in Mumbai and later shared his views in an interview with an English daily. He said the US sees value in maintaining channels with Pakistan to help prevent steps that could worry India and to reduce the risk of conflict between the neighbours.
Rubio also said the US remains committed to pursuing a trade agreement with India, adding that his visit, meetings and ongoing cooperation reflect the importance Washington places on the bilateral relationship.
On global issues, he said today’s international environment is not comparable to the Cold War era of the 1970s. He described ending the Russia-Ukraine war as complex, noting that if it were easy, the conflict would have ended long ago.
Separately, Rubio visited Reliance’s refinery in Jamnagar, Gujarat, where he was received by Reliance Industries chairman Mukesh Ambani and Nita Ambani. He also toured the company’s wildlife rescue centre ‘Vantara’ and a new green energy production facility, with officials saying the visit was arranged as a private engagement.
