Former US Secretary of State Antony Blinken described Washington's ties with New Delhi and Islamabad as fundamentally different during a summit.
Former US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said on Saturday that the US must respect India's right to defend itself and maintain a zero-tolerance policy towards terrorism. Speaking at the Hindustan Times Leadership Summit 2026 in New Delhi, Blinken described India as a global force with a relationship with Washington that is global in nature, according to The Hindu.
Blinken distinguished these ties from the US relationship with Pakistan, which he characterised as regional. He noted that while there are important areas for cooperation with Pakistan, such as counter-terrorism, the two relationships are fundamentally different.
He stated that the US approach should support India's efforts to respond to attacks and include diplomatic work to prevent escalation between the two nuclear-armed neighbours. Blinken noted that preventing escalation is vital due to the destructive potential of the weapons held by both countries.
Regarding India's historical ties with Russia, Blinken acknowledged the depth of that partnership and said Washington does not expect New Delhi to cut those links. He noted that while perspectives may differ, the US does not want India to end those relations.
Blinken, who served as the 71st Secretary of State from 2021 to 2025, also identified emerging technologies as a key area for future cooperation. He pointed to potential collaboration in artificial intelligence, quantum technology, and space.
