New Delhi : Former US Secretary of State Antony Blinken has underlined the distinct nature of Washington’s relationships with India and Pakistan, describing India as a major global force and a key strategic partner of the United States.
Speaking at a leadership event on Saturday during a conversation with Ambassador Jawed Ashraf, Blinken said the US-India partnership extends well beyond regional concerns, encompassing a wide range of shared interests and global cooperation.
He also recognised India’s right to defend itself against terrorist threats, while emphasising the importance of diplomatic efforts in managing regional tensions.
Drawing a contrast, Blinken described Washington’s engagement with Pakistan as largely regional, with counterterrorism cooperation remaining a central focus of bilateral ties.
His remarks come amid shifting geopolitical dynamics under US President Donald Trump. The comments also revive attention to the India-Pakistan military escalation in May 2025 and Trump’s repeated claims of having facilitated a ceasefire between the two neighbours.
While Pakistan subsequently supported Trump’s Nobel Peace Prize nomination, India maintained that the ceasefire understanding followed its military action against Pakistan and was not the result of third-party mediation.
Blinken’s remarks underline the differing strategic dimensions of US engagement with the two South Asian neighbours, with India representing a broader global partnership and Pakistan remaining primarily within a regional security framework.
