Rubio Says US Should Maintain Diplomatic Ties with Nuclear-Armed Pakistan

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has acknowledged the need for continued diplomatic engagement with Pakistan, saying Washington should maintain relations with Islamabad because Pakistan is a nuclear-armed country with strategic importance in the region.

Speaking in a television interview after arriving in Mumbai during his visit to India, Rubio said the United States opposed anyone who sponsored terrorism. He also said India should maintain continuous diplomatic engagement with all countries, adding that such contacts could help prevent activities that concern New Delhi.

Rubio also met Indian External Affairs Minister Dr S. Jaishankar during his visit. Jaishankar adopted a firm stance against terrorism, saying India expected its partners not to show any leniency on the issue. However, the Indian foreign minister did not directly name Pakistan in his remarks.

Rubio and Jaishankar also laid flowers at the memorial for victims of the 2008 Mumbai attacks at the Taj Mahal Palace Hotel in Mumbai.

Later, addressing the US-organised Freedom 250 event in Mumbai, Jaishankar welcomed the US government's decision to extradite Tahawwur Hussain Rana to India in connection with the November 26, 2008, Mumbai attacks. He also stressed the need for joint cooperation in combating terrorism.