The United States aims to strengthen its partnership with Pakistan while maintaining its strategic balance and friendly relations with India, ensuring that one relationship does not come at the cost of the other.
In a recent diplomatic statement, the US reaffirmed its intention to expand bilateral relations with Pakistan across areas such as trade, counterterrorism, energy, and regional security. However, American officials clarified that this renewed engagement is not intended to jeopardize or dilute the growing strategic partnership between the US and India.
Washington’s approach reflects its broader strategy in South Asia—seeking cooperation with Islamabad on issues like Afghanistan’s stability, anti-terrorism efforts, and humanitarian support, while simultaneously bolstering its defense and economic ties with New Delhi.
Experts suggest that the US is adopting a “balanced diplomacy” to maintain influence in the region, especially amid shifting global dynamics and China’s growing footprint through the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). The US continues to view India as a vital partner in its Indo-Pacific vision, while recognizing Pakistan’s importance for regional peace and counterterrorism initiatives.
Officials from the State Department emphasized that America’s engagement with Pakistan is focused on mutual interests rather than regional rivalry. They reiterated that Washington values its long-standing and deepening relationship with India, which is based on shared democratic values, economic cooperation, and defense collaboration.
This diplomatic balancing act underscores Washington’s effort to maintain stability in South Asia without provoking tension between two nuclear-armed neighbors.