United States Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated on Sunday that the U.S. is consistently monitoring the relationship between India and Pakistan. Rubio's statement underscores the United States' ongoing interest in maintaining stability in the South Asia region. He highlighted the complexities of sustaining peace, especially after prolonged periods of conflict.
Rubio made these remarks during an interview on NBC News's "Meet the Press," while discussing the challenges of achieving and maintaining ceasefires, particularly in the context of the war in Ukraine. He emphasized that a ceasefire requires both parties to agree to stop hostilities. He also noted that the U.S. is aiming for a comprehensive peace deal that prevents future conflict, rather than just a temporary cessation of fighting. He stated, "Every single day we keep an eye on what's happening between Pakistan and India, what's happening between Cambodia and Thailand".
Rubio also referenced President Trump's previous claims of mediating peace between India and Pakistan. Trump has repeatedly stated that his intervention led to a ceasefire between the two countries, especially after events like Operation Sindoor and the Pahalgam terror attack. However, India has firmly denied these claims, asserting that all issues with Pakistan are managed bilaterally without third-party mediation. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, during a parliamentary discussion on Operation Sindoor, stated that no world leader had asked India to halt its military response.
The United States' relationship with both India and Pakistan has seen shifts in recent years. While the U.S. State Department maintains that relations with both countries are "good," there have been instances of strain and recalibration in the approach towards each nation. For example, the U.S. sent different messages to India and Pakistan on their respective Independence Days, with India receiving affirmations of a historic partnership and strategic alignment, while Pakistan's message emphasized economic cooperation.
Some analysts believe that President Trump's approach to diplomacy has strained ties with India. Trump's focus on transactional diplomacy and the use of tariffs have caused mistrust, with India perceiving his claims of resolving conflicts with Pakistan as undermining its autonomy. This has led India to re-evaluate its foreign policy, strengthening ties with Russia and China.
On the other hand, relations between the U.S. and Pakistan have seen a resurgence under the Trump administration. Pakistan's efforts in counterterrorism and its willingness to engage with the U.S. have contributed to this improvement.
Overall, the United States' approach to the India-Pakistan situation is multifaceted, involving continuous monitoring, diplomatic engagement, and a focus on achieving lasting peace and stability in the region.