US Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Tuesday explained why Washington continues to maintain relations with Pakistan despite concerns over terrorism. Rubio told News18 that the US opposes countries that sponsor terrorism but argued that it must maintain diplomatic ties with nations for strategic and geographical reasons. He also drew a comparison with India’s relationship with Iran, stating that countries sometimes need to engage with governments despite disagreements.

Marco On Maintaining Ties With Pakistan

When asked about ties with Pakistan and concerns over terrorism, Rubio reiterated Washington’s position against terrorism. He pointed out the need to maintain diplomatic relations with Islamabad. “We’re against anybody who sponsors terrorism,” he said. Rubio explained that his responsibilities as Secretary of State were different from those he had as a senator. He noted that managing US foreign policy required engagement with countries even when disagreements existed.

“In my new role, I am no longer the senator, as the Secretary of State, I have to manage the foreign policy of the United States and that does require us to have relationships with countries, including those that we may have some disagreements with. In the case of Pakistan, it’s a country that we have to have a relationship with. It’s a country that possesses nuclear weapons. It’s a country that, from a geographical standpoint, we need to be able to interact with them, in much the same way as the government of India has to have and has a relationship and meets with leaders from Iran,” Rubio said.

ALSO READ: 'This Was The Man': Jaishankar Introduces Taj Hotel's Security Chief To Rubio Who Faced 26/11 Attacks | VIDEO

Rubio Cites India's Iran Relations

Rubio further said maintaining relations with Pakistan was important due to its nuclear capabilities and geographical position. He also compared the scenario with India's engagement with Iran, suggesting that countries sometimes need to communicate with governments despite differences.

“So, these are difficult things to balance, but they have to be as part of our foreign policy, and I think, in a way, could be a positive thing because if we have a relationship and we can speak to them, it could perhaps help us, perhaps puts us in a position to help discourage the kinds of things that India is worried about,” he said.

Rubio On Iran-US Conflict

Rubio also criticised Iran's leadership and said reaching an agreement with Tehran was difficult. “Unfortunately, they don’t know how to make a deal and they are controlled by radical Shia clerics, and I don’t mean Shia clerics, I mean radical Shia clerics who are driven by theology, very difficult to make a deal with them,” he said. Rubio is currently in India on an official visit, which includes a visit to Jamnagar in Gujarat.

ALSO READ: 'There Will Be Differences': Rubio Says No Two Nations Can Be Perfectly Aligned On Every Issue As Trade Deal Stuck In Limbo

You May Also Like To Watch: