US Engagement with Pakistan a Necessity, Says Rubio
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said Washington must maintain relations with Pakistan despite disagreements, citing its nuclear weapons and strategic location, while reiterating U.S. opposition to terrorism and its sponsors. In an exclusive interview with Network18 on Tuesday, Rubio explained that managing U.S. foreign policy requires engagement with countries holding differing views, including Pakistan. He noted that maintaining ties with Islamabad could help discourage actions that concern India, drawing a parallel to India's own relationship with Iran. Rubio's remarks came in response to questions about his past stance as a senator, when he proposed cutting security aid to Pakistan over terrorism concerns. He affirmed U.S. opposition to terrorism globally but framed engagement with Pakistan as a necessity and a potential channel to address Indian worries.