A State Department official emphasized on Thursday that the United States encourages direct trade talks between India and Pakistan while sidestepping a question regarding military equipment provision to Pakistan.
During a scheduled press briefing, State Department Spokesperson Matthew Miller underscored the importance of the US relationships with both countries. “So we value our important relationships with both India and Pakistan,” Miller stated.
Regarding the potential for trade discussions, Miller reiterated the US stance: “As we have said, we support direct discussions between India and Pakistan, but the pace, scope, and character should be determined by those two countries, not by us.”
However, when queried about Ambassador Masood Khan’s comments on the necessity of modern US weaponry to combat the TTP (Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan), Miller chose to focus on counter-terrorism collaboration with Pakistan.
“The United States and Pakistan share an interest in combating threats to regional security,” Miller affirmed. He highlighted ongoing partnerships in security, including high-level counterterrorism dialogues and capacity-building programs, along with military engagements.
“We are in regular communication with Pakistani leaders as part of our cooperation on counterterrorism issues,” Miller added. He emphasized continued detailed discussions on regional security through annual counterterrorism dialogues and other bilateral consultations.
The statements reflect the nuanced approach of the United States towards managing its relationships with both India and Pakistan, prioritizing dialogue and cooperation on security while acknowledging the independence of bilateral trade negotiations between the two South Asian nations.
In addition to security and trade issues, the State Department’s engagement with Pakistan also encompasses broader diplomatic efforts. The US remains committed to promoting stability and prosperity in the region through diplomatic channels, supporting initiatives that foster economic development, governance reforms, and regional cooperation.
These efforts underscore a comprehensive approach aimed at building trust and advancing shared interests across South Asia while navigating the complexities of bilateral and multilateral relationships in the region. As such, the United States continues to play a constructive role in facilitating dialogue and collaboration that contribute to peace and security in both Pakistan and the broader South Asian context.
