US State Department spokeswoman Tammy Bruce said that US relations with both Pakistan and India are “unchanged”, adding that “diplomats remain committed to both countries.” Her comments came after Pakistan Army Chief Gen Asim Munir’s remarks in Florida where he reportedly said that if an existential threat arises, Pakistan could use nuclear weapons to destroy India and “half the world”.
Bruce recalls India-Pakistan conflict
Speaking at a State Department briefing, Bruce said that “Pakistan and India have had an experience where there was a conflict that could have taken a very horrific turn. Vice President JD Vance, President Donald Trump and Secretary of State Marco Rubio showed immediate concern and proactiveness to understand the nature of what was happening.”
Bruce emphasized the success of diplomatic efforts in preventing the conflict from escalating, saying, “We described the nature of the phone calls and our efforts to prevent attacks, bringing both sides together to reach a lasting agreement. It is a matter of great pride that Secretary Rubio, Vice President Vance and the top leadership of this country were involved in preventing that potential catastrophe.”
Relationships with India and Pakistan remain…
He also said that “the United States’ relationship with both countries remains unchanged – good. Diplomats remain committed to both countries.” Highlighting the US-Pakistan counter-terrorism dialogue that began in Islamabad on Tuesday, he said, “During the recent talks in Islamabad, the United States and Pakistan reiterated their shared commitment to combat terrorism in all its forms and manifestations. The United States and Pakistan discussed ways to enhance cooperation to combat terrorist threats.”
He further said, “For the region and the world, the United States working with these two countries is good news and will promote a future that is beneficial.”
Munir is on his second visit to the US in less than two months, following a private lunch with Trump in June. Munir arrived in Washington on Sunday for a number of high-level meetings with the top US political and military leadership.