US Says Ties with India, Pakistan Unchanged Amid Row Over Pakistani Army Chief’s Remarks

Washington’s relationship with both India and Pakistan remains “unchanged,” US State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce said on Wednesday, reaffirming American diplomatic engagement with both nations.

Bruce’s remarks came in response to questions regarding Pakistan Army Chief General Asim Munir’s recent visit to the United States and his inflammatory statements, including nuclear threats against India. Addressing reporters at the State Department, she reiterated, “Our relationship with both nations remains unchanged, and our diplomats are committed to both countries.”

Reflecting on past tensions between New Delhi and Islamabad, Bruce said, “We had an experience with Pakistan and India when there was a conflict that could have escalated into something quite terrible. There was immediate concern and movement from Vice President JD Vance, President Donald Trump, and Secretary of State Marco Rubio in addressing the situation.”

She added that urgent diplomatic outreach helped prevent escalation. “We described the nature of the phone calls and the work we did to stop the attacks, bringing the parties together to create something enduring. It’s a very proud moment that Secretary Rubio, Vice President Vance, and our top leadership were involved in averting that potential catastrophe,” Bruce said.

Highlighting broader cooperation, Bruce pointed to the US–Pakistan Counter-Terrorism Dialogue, launched in Islamabad on Tuesday, as evidence of ongoing engagement. “The United States and Pakistan reaffirmed their shared commitment to combat terrorism in all its forms and manifestations. We discussed ways to enhance cooperation to counter terrorist threats,” she noted.

She concluded, “For the region and for the world, the US working with both nations is good news and will promote a future that is mutually beneficial.”

General Munir’s recent anti-India rhetoric has drawn strong criticism in Washington. Michael Rubin, a former Pentagon analyst, condemned the Pakistani army chief’s remarks as “completely unacceptable” and likened them to statements made by ISIS and Osama bin Laden.

“Pakistan is raising questions in many minds about whether it can fulfil the responsibilities of being a state,” Rubin said. “The Field Marshal’s rhetoric is reminiscent of the Islamic State.”

Rubin urged immediate diplomatic measures, including revoking Pakistan’s status as a major non-NATO ally, considering its designation as a state sponsor of terrorism, and declaring General Munir persona non grata to bar him from obtaining US visas.