The United States was instrumental in preventing a potential disaster during the recent hostilities between Pakistan and India, according to State Department spokeswoman Tammy Bruce. Speaking at a press briefing on Tuesday, she praised Washington’s decisive role in pulling both nations back from the brink of a full-blown conflict.
“Obviously, we had an experience with Pakistan and India when there was a conflict, one that could have developed into something quite horrible,” Bruce stated. She recalled that she was at the State Department at the time and there was “immediate concern and immediate movement” from the Vice President, President, and Secretary of State to address the escalating situation.
Bruce recounted how US leaders quickly engaged with both sides, describing the phone calls and the work they did to “stop the attacks and to then bring the parties together so we could have something that was enduring.” She called it a “very proud moment and a very good example” of how top US leaders can prevent a potential catastrophe.
She emphasized that Washington’s relationships with both Islamabad and New Delhi remain positive. “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,” she explained.
Bruce also highlighted ongoing security cooperation with Pakistan, mentioning the recent US-Pakistan Counterterrorism Dialogue held in Islamabad. During these talks, both nations “reaffirmed their shared commitment to combating terrorism in all its forms and manifestations.” They discussed ways to enhance cooperation to counter terrorist threats, a move which Bruce believes is “good news” for the region and the world.
Earlier on Tuesday, a joint statement confirmed the renewed commitment to fighting terrorism. The dialogue 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.
Both delegations stressed the need for effective strategies to counter threats from groups like the Baloch Liberation Army (BLA), Daesh-Khorasan, and the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP). The US delegation commended Pakistan’s continued success in containing terrorist entities that pose a danger to regional and global peace. Washington also extended its condolences for the loss of civilian and law enforcement lives in recent attacks in Pakistan. Discussions also focused on strengthening institutional frameworks and building capabilities to respond to evolving security threats, including the misuse of emerging technologies for terrorist purposes.
