Daijiworld Media Network – Washington

Washington, Jun 11: In a significant statement under oath, General Michael Kurilla, head of the US Central Command, told the House Armed Services Committee that the United States must maintain strong ties with both India and Pakistan, stressing that the relationship is ‘not a binary switch.’

“Pakistan remains a phenomenal partner,” the General said, highlighting its active counter-terrorism operations, especially against ISIS-Khorasan. He revealed that Pakistan had captured and extradited high-value ISIS-K targets, including Jaffar, accused in the deadly Abbeygate bombing.

“Pakistan is in an active counter-terror fight, with over a thousand attacks this year alone, killing 700 and wounding more than 2,500,” General Kurilla stated, praising Pakistan’s cooperation despite limited US intelligence support.

He added that while ISIS-K continues to operate along the Afghanistan-Pakistan border, its capabilities have been significantly weakened in recent months due to Pakistan’s efforts.

In a candid note to the committee, Kurilla made it clear: “We need a relationship with both Pakistan and India. This is not an either-or situation. We must evaluate each partnership on its individual merit.”

The remarks send a clear signal that the US intends to retain strategic ties with Islamabad alongside its growing partnership with New Delhi—an indication that Washington may not side exclusively with India on issues related to terrorism from across the border.