Washington, 21 October, 2026 (Ghufran): US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has said that maintaining relations with Pakistan is strategically important for Washington, highlighting the significance of bilateral ties from a geopolitical perspective. In an interview with Indian media, Rubio said the United States opposed terrorism worldwide and stood against individuals and countries involved in supporting terrorist activities. He noted that Washington continued to maintain relations with Islamabad and considered the relationship necessary in view of broader geopolitical interests. Drawing a comparison with India’s engagement with Iran, Rubio said that just as the Indian government needed to maintain ties with Tehran and hold meetings with Iranian leaders, the United States also needed to sustain its relationship with Pakistan. His remarks underscored the importance of diplomatic engagement despite regional complexities and differing national interests. Rubio also indicated that Washington’s continued engagement with Islamabad could create opportunities to play a constructive role in addressing regional and bilateral challenges. The statement highlights Pakistan’s strategic relevance to US foreign policy and the importance of maintaining diplomatic channels to promote stability, cooperation and dialogue in the region.