US Spokesperson Defends Trump’s Outreach To Pakistan; Affirms Strong Ties With India

The United States reaffirmed its strong diplomatic ties with India while defending President Donald Trump’s outreach to Pakistan.

Tammy Bruce, spokesperson for the US State Department, spoke on Tuesday, underscoring that relations with both nations remain positive despite Washington’s engagement with Pakistan’s military leadership.

When questioned about whether Trump’s dialogue with Pakistan’s military chief, General Asim Munir, might come at the expense of the president’s relationship with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Bruce responded, “Our relationship with both nations is as it has been, which is good.”

She added, “That is the benefit of having a president who knows everyone, talks to everyone, and that is how we can bring differences together in this case.”

Bruce emphasised the US commitment to both India and Pakistan through sustained diplomatic efforts.

“It’s clear that the diplomats here are committed to both nations,” she stated, reaffirming Washington’s balanced approach.

Though Bruce did not comment on the possibility of increased US assistance or arms sales to Pakistan, she referenced a recent US-Pakistan counter-terrorism dialogue held earlier on Tuesday in Islamabad.

“During this meeting, both countries reaffirmed their shared commitment to combating terrorism in all its forms and manifestations,” she explained.

“They discussed ways to enhance cooperation to counter terrorist threats, and I think that is good for the region and for the world,” Bruce added, highlighting the importance of joint security measures.

Background: Trump’s Engagement with Pakistan’s Military Chief

President Trump hosted General Asim Munir for a White House lunch in June, expressing gratitude for Pakistan’s restraint in avoiding further conflict.

Munir, a key figure in Pakistan’s military power structure, recently attended an event in Tampa, Florida, marking a leadership transition at the US Central Command (CENTCOM), which oversees military operations in Pakistan and surrounding regions.

Trump has claimed to have mediated an end to the conflict that escalated in May, following India’s Operation Sindoor against terror groups based in Pakistan. The operation was a response to an attack by The Resistance Front, an offshoot of Lashkar-e-Tayiba, in Pahalgam in April.

Munir has praised Trump’s role and even nominated him for the Nobel Peace Prize.

However, India denies any US mediation and states that Pakistan’s Director General of Military Operations, Major General Kashif Abdullah, initiated the ceasefire and coordinated with his Indian counterpart.

Bruce, nominated to be the US Deputy Permanent Representative to the United Nations, described the resolution as ‘a conflict that could have developed into something quite horrible’. She further noted the swift and coordinated response by US leadership, including Vice President JD Vance, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, and President Trump himself.

She praised their efforts to ‘stop the attacks and then bring the parties together so we can have something that was enduring’. Bruce called this outcome ‘a very proud moment and a very good example of what Secretary Rubio was committed to’.

Also Read: India Reaffirms Commitment To Free & Open Maritime Order At UNSC Debate