Pakistan US Strategic Talks Restart After 3 Years with Focus on India Row and Economic Deal:
WASHINGTON – In a significant diplomatic development, Pakistan and the United States resumed strategic talks after a three-year pause, with Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar meeting US Secretary of State Marco Rubio in Washington on Friday. The meeting marked a potential turning point in bilateral relations, focusing on trade, investment, counterterrorism, and regional stability, particularly the recent India-Pakistan conflict.
The high-level talks were seen as a renewal of long-stalled cooperation between the two nations, aiming to forge deeper economic ties and strengthen mutual strategic interests in South Asia.
Rebuilding Pakistan-US Strategic Partnership
Foreign Minister Dar, who also serves as Deputy Prime Minister, emphasized that the meeting reflected both countries’ commitment to a long-term Pakistan-US partnership. He noted that the dialogue focused heavily on trade, investment, information technology, artificial intelligence (IT/AI), and counterterrorism (CT) collaboration.
Secretary Rubio echoed this sentiment, highlighting the potential for expanded cooperation in sectors like critical minerals, agriculture, and clean energy.
“We reaffirmed our commitment to economic growth, peace, and innovation. Pakistan remains an important partner in regional stability,” Rubio posted on social media after the meeting.
India-Pakistan Clashes in Focus
The talks also touched on tense regional developments, particularly the May 2025 military standoff between India and Pakistan, which was defused through joint US mediation efforts. Both Dar and Rubio acknowledged the United States’ constructive role in preventing a potentially catastrophic escalation between the nuclear-armed neighbors.
Dar credited Washington’s timely diplomacy with helping to “restore calm to a volatile region,” adding that a sustainable solution to South Asian conflicts requires continued US engagement and support for Pakistan-India dialogue — especially on Kashmir.
Mineral Extraction Deal Nearing Finalization
One of the most notable outcomes of the Pakistan US strategic talks was progress on a forthcoming critical minerals extraction agreement, which Dar said could be finalized in “weeks, not months.” This deal could open Pakistan’s rich mineral reserves to US investment and bolster Islamabad’s economic outlook at a crucial time.
“Pakistan is an attractive destination for US investors,” Dar noted, adding that there is growing confidence on both sides in finalizing a bilateral investment framework.
New US Acting Envoy in Pakistan
In a related move, the US appointed Elizabeth Horst as acting ambassador to Pakistan. Horst, a seasoned diplomat with deep South Asia experience, arrived in Islamabad and expressed enthusiasm about continuing her work in the region.
Her appointment is being seen as a symbolic and strategic gesture, reinforcing Washington’s intent to strengthen high-level engagement with Islamabad amid regional shifts.
“The people-to-people ties and cultural bonds are what underpin our work,” Horst said in a social media post from Lahore Fort, highlighting the cultural diplomacy dimension of the partnership.
Multilateral Coordination and Global Forums
During the talks, both delegations reaffirmed their commitment to close coordination on global platforms, particularly the United Nations Security Council (UNSC). Dar and Rubio agreed on greater cooperation in multilateral diplomacy to address regional crises, counterterrorism, and economic challenges.
Dar Responds on Imran Khan and US-Pakistan Judicial Parallels
In an interview following the meeting, Dar responded to a question about former Prime Minister Imran Khan’s incarceration by drawing a parallel with Dr. Aafia Siddiqui’s case in the US. He argued that Pakistan, like the US, must be allowed to follow its judicial process without external interference.
“When due process is followed, others do not have the right to interfere,” Dar said, underscoring Pakistan’s stance on legal independence.
China, India, and Defense Procurement
Dar was also asked whether Pakistan would continue to purchase defense equipment from China. His response was pragmatic: “We will choose whoever offers the best deal.” This statement reflects Pakistan’s strategy to balance ties between global powers without alienating either Washington or Beijing.
Conclusion
The Pakistan US strategic talks represent more than just a diplomatic re-engagement — they reflect a shared interest in economic cooperation, regional peace, and geopolitical balance in South Asia. As both countries move forward, upcoming developments like the minerals agreement and follow-up dialogues will determine whether this momentum leads to a revitalized and mutually beneficial alliance.
