In a significant policy statement, senior US Republican Senator Marco Rubio has clearly stated that America’s relationship with Pakistan must not come “at the expense of” its strategic partnership with India. The unambiguous remark signals a major validation of New Delhi’s long-standing concerns and reinforces India’s position as a premier partner for the United States.
The powerful comments were made during a Senate Foreign Relations Committee hearing. Cutting through diplomatic niceties, Senator Rubio articulated a view that has been championed by India for decades but is now gaining significant traction in Washington D.C.
What Did Senator Rubio Say About US-Pakistan Relations?
While acknowledging the reality of Pakistan as a nuclear-armed nation that the US must engage with, Senator Rubio placed a crucial condition on that relationship.
“I don’t think anyone would advocate that we have no relationship with Pakistan,” he began, before adding the critical caveat that has resonated across South Asia.
He emphasized that while the US should have a “sober and clear-eyed” relationship with Islamabad, it must be one that is “not at the expense of our relationship with India.”
This single phrase is a monumental acknowledgment of the strategic tightrope the US has walked for years. For decades, New Delhi watched with apprehension as US military and financial aid to Pakistan, often provided under the pretext of counter-terrorism, was used to bolster military capabilities aimed at India.
Why Rubio’s ‘Not at India’s Expense’ Comment Matters
This statement from a leading voice on US foreign policy is more than just rhetoric; it signifies a profound and ongoing shift in Washington’s strategic calculus. Here’s a breakdown of its significance:
1. Acknowledging India’s F-16 Concerns
The remark comes shortly after the Biden administration approved a $450 million sustainment package for Pakistan’s F-16 fighter jet fleet. The deal prompted a sharp public rebuke from India’s External Affairs Minister, S. Jaishankar, who famously said, “You’re not fooling anybody by saying this is for counter-terrorism.” Rubio’s statement serves as a direct acknowledgment of the legitimacy of India’s complaint from within the US political establishment, suggesting the old justifications for arming Pakistan are losing their power.
2. Cementing India as the Primary Strategic Partner
For over 70 years, the US often attempted to balance its relationships with India and Pakistan. That era is definitively over. Rubio’s words help cement India’s status as the primary, indispensable strategic partner for the United States in the Indo-Pacific. The relationship with Pakistan is now being framed as secondary—a functional engagement to be managed for regional stability, but never to the detriment of the far more critical alliance with India.
3. Countering China: The Indo-Pacific Strategy
Underlying this entire recalibration is the strategic challenge posed by an aggressive China. The US views democratic India as an essential counterweight to Beijing’s expansionist ambitions. A strong and secure India is vital to the success of the Quad (Quadrilateral Security Dialogue) and the broader Indo-Pacific strategy. Therefore, any US action that weakens New Delhi’s position, especially against a China-allied Pakistan, is increasingly seen as counterproductive to America’s own core interests.
A New Strategic Reality for South Asia
While actions will ultimately speak louder than words, this public declaration sets a new baseline for US foreign policy in the region. The message to Islamabad is clear: the days of leveraging its position to extract concessions from Washington at India’s cost are over. For New Delhi, it is a welcome assurance that its concerns are being heard and are actively shaping policy in the corridors of power in Washington.
