The United States played a key role in preventing a potential crisis between Pakistan and India during their recent hostilities, State Department spokeswoman Tammy Bruce said Tuesday, praising Washington’s swift and decisive actions in defusing tensions.
“Obviously, we had an experience with Pakistan and India when there was a conflict — one that could have escalated into something quite terrible,” Bruce told reporters at a State Department press briefing.
She recalled that at the time, there was “immediate concern and immediate action” from the Vice President, the President, and the Secretary of State to address the unfolding situation.
Bruce noted how US leaders swiftly engaged both sides. “Many of you who were here in the days that followed will remember our briefings on the phone calls made, the steps taken to halt the attacks, and the efforts to bring both parties together to work toward something lasting,” she said.
“It remains a very proud moment, and a strong example of the commitment shown by Secretary Rubio, Vice President Vance in that case, and our nation’s top leadership in preventing what could have been a disaster,” she added.
Bruce also emphasized that Washington continues to maintain positive relations with both Islamabad and New Delhi.
“I would say that our relationship with both nations is as it has been, which is good, and 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.
So it’s clear that the diplomats here are committed to both nations.”
She pointed to ongoing cooperation with Pakistan on security issues.
“I can tell you also that there has been a US-Pakistan Counterterrorism Dialogue that was established.
At this dialogue in Islamabad, the United States and Pakistan reaffirmed their shared commitment to combating terrorism in all its forms and manifestations during this latest round of the talks in Islamabad,” she said.
“The United States and Pakistan discussed ways to enhance cooperation to counter terrorist threats. And I think that for the region and for the world, the United States working with both those nations is good news and will promote a future that’s beneficial,” Bruce added.
Counter-terror cooperation talks
Earlier on Tuesday, Pakistan and the US renewed their shared commitment to combat terrorism in all its forms and manifestations.
The vow was made during the latest round of the Pakistan-US Counterterrorism Dialogue, held in Islamabad, according to a joint statement.
The meeting was co-chaired by Pakistan’s Special Secretary for the United Nations, Nabeel Munir and US Department of State Acting Coordinator for Counterterrorism Gregory D LoGerfo.
The dialogue took place a day after the US State Department listed the Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) and Majeed Brigade as foreign terrorist organisations after a string of deadly assaults claimed by the group.
Both delegations emphasised the critical need for effective strategies to counter terrorist threats, including those posed by the Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA), Daesh-Khorasan, and Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP).
The US delegation lauded Pakistan’s continued successes in containing terrorist entities that endanger regional and global peace and security.
Washington also expressed condolences over the loss of civilians and law enforcement personnel in recent attacks in Pakistan, including the Jaffar Express train assault and the Khuzdar school bus bombing.
Discussions focused on building stronger institutional frameworks and enhancing capabilities to respond to evolving security threats, including the misuse of emerging technologies for terrorist purposes.
