U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio told The Indian Express on Wednesday that Washington’s expanding engagement with Pakistan would not erode its relationship with India. He made the comments during a three‑day visit to Gujarat, where he toured the Mukesh Ambani‑owned Jamnagar refinery.
Rubio, who has met with Indian leaders twice since 2022, stressed that the United States treats its ties with Pakistan as distinct from its partnership with New Delhi. He contrasted Washington’s current policy with the Nixon‑Kissinger era, when the U.S. backed Pakistan’s Yahya Khan regime, noting that the Cold War dynamics no longer apply.
He said a constructive relationship with Islamabad could help discourage actions that might lead to regional conflict, and that the U.S. could use its influence for peace.
Rubio highlighted ongoing efforts to finalize a comprehensive U.S.–India trade agreement, with the U.S. Congress expected to review the proposal in early June.
During the refinery visit, Rubio met with Reliance Industries officials and toured the complex, underscoring the economic ties that underpin the diplomatic messages.
The Secretary of State also announced a memorandum of understanding on energy cooperation, setting the stage for a bilateral trade summit scheduled for the following week.