‘Ties With India, Pakistan Remain Unchanged’: US State Department Reaffirms Commitment to Both
The United States’ ties with India and Pakistan remain unchanged, US State Department Spokesperson Tammy Bruce said on Wednesday, reiterating Washington’s commitment to both nations.
Speaking at a media briefing, Bruce made the remarks when asked about Pakistan Army Chief General Asim Munir’s recent visit to the US and his nuclear threats against India.
Recalling past tensions between the two South Asian neighbours, she said, “We had an experience with Pakistan and India when there was a conflict that could have escalated into something quite horrible. There was immediate concern and movement involving Vice President JD Vance, President Donald Trump, and Secretary of State Marco Rubio to address the situation.”
She credited diplomacy for preventing escalation, stating, “We described the nature of the phone calls and the work we did to stop the attacks, bringing the parties together to create something enduring. It’s a proud moment that Secretary Rubio, Vice President Vance, and the nation’s top leadership were involved in stopping a potential catastrophe.”
Bruce stressed that Washington’s relationship with both countries “remains unchanged” and that US diplomats are “committed to both nations.”
She also highlighted the ongoing US–Pakistan counter-terrorism dialogue, which resumed in Islamabad on Tuesday. “The United States and Pakistan reaffirmed their shared commitment to combat terrorism in all its forms and manifestations. Both sides discussed ways to strengthen cooperation against terrorist threats,” she said, adding that such engagement “is good news for the region and the world.”
On General Munir’s anti-India remarks, former Pentagon analyst Michael Rubin said Pakistan’s conduct was “completely unacceptable,” likening the army chief’s rhetoric to that of ISIS and Osama bin Laden.
“Pakistan is raising doubts in many minds about whether it can fulfil the responsibilities of a state,” Rubin said. He urged immediate diplomatic consequences, including revoking Pakistan’s status as a major non-NATO ally, designating it a state sponsor of terrorism, and declaring General Munir persona non grata with a ban on US visas.
