US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has defended his country’s ties with Pakistan, saying they are part of a “mature foreign policy,” while asserting that Washington’s association with Islamabad does not come at the expense of its deep and historic relationship with India.

“I don’t think anything we’re doing with Pakistan comes at the expense of our relationship or friendship with India, which is deep, historic, and important,” Rubio told reporters on Saturday.

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He described US ties with Pakistan—India’s hostile neighbour—as part of a “mature, pragmatic foreign policy,” adding that New Delhi also maintains relations with countries that are not allies of the United States.

Rubio noted that the US has a long history of partnering with Pakistan on counterterrorism and related i

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