US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said on Tuesday that Washington condemns terrorism around the world. Along with this, he also explained the reason behind maintaining diplomatic relations with Pakistan. Rubio said Pakistan has nuclear weapons and is also very important from a geographical perspective. This is why it is important for America to maintain relations with it. He said that the same way India maintains relations with Iran, it is necessary for America to maintain relations with Pakistan.

During an interview, Marco Rubio said, ‘We are against terrorism anywhere in the world. We are against all those who promote terrorism. In such a situation, the question is why Washington continues to talk with Pakistan despite the tension? In response, Rubio says that maintaining contact with Pakistan due to its nuclear arsenal and its geographic location is essential and can also help address India’s security concerns. He said continued diplomatic engagement with Islamabad provides an opportunity for Washington to prevent or discourage activities that cause concern for New Delhi.

‘Indian Government’s Relations with Iran’

‘I think in a way this can be a positive thing,’ Rubio said. If we have relations and can talk to them, they can help us. Maybe we can help stop what India is worried about. He said that even geographically we should be able to negotiate and maintain contact with Pakistan. Just like the Indian government needs to maintain relations with Iran and meet its leaders and it does.

‘Necessary under Washington’s foreign policy’

Rubio acknowledged that maintaining relationships with countries despite differences is difficult, but he also said that such engagement is necessary under Washington’s foreign policy. He said balancing these things is difficult, but it should be a part of our foreign policy. He said continued dialogue with Islamabad could give Washington an opportunity to stop actions that are a concern for New Delhi.

‘Responsibilities have changed after assuming office’

He said his responsibilities have changed since he took over as secretary of state and now he has to handle America’s broader international agenda. He said, ‘In my new role, I am no longer a senator but a foreign minister. I want to handle America’s foreign policy. This requires that we maintain relations with other countries, even if we disagree with them on some issues. He said this in response to questions related to earlier US proposals to reduce financial aid to Pakistan over Pakistan’s support for terrorism targeting India.