INDO-US-PAKISTAN EQUATION

INDO-US-PAKISTAN EQUATION



An improved climate in Indo–US relations is being viewed with suspicion by India’s immediate neighbour, Pakistan. Why should India have an edge over Pakistan in all its dealings with the world’s largest democracy? Why should America be-friend India when Pakistan, a so called ‘Front line State’ in the US security paradigm is projecting itself as a partner in facilitating the US in combating the scourge of terrorism? Well, the answer is quite simple, India is recognised as a potential Regional power and has rich democratic institutions in place, which assures sustained growth and development despite the scars left due to misplaced internal political objectives, and ambitions. The potential of the country in the overall global scenario is reasonably large and hence the interest of the super power in expanding its strategic interest with special reference to extending nuclear support for peaceful purposes.


The United States of America is the only superpower in the world today and its policies have an impact on developments across the globe. However, its approach in dealing with Pakistan vis a vis India, has to be understood in the light of differences in perceptions and dimensions. While dealing with Pakistan, the United States is basically trying to correct the country that has chosen to go on the path of using terrorism as an instrument of State policy as evident by its links to the Taliban and its involvement in bomb blasts ranging from Madrid to London, as also its activities relating to its support of terrorism not merely in Jammu and Kashmir but throughout India. So the aim is to move Pakistan away from this point as also to move Pakistan away from mischief like transferring nuclear weapon designs to countries like North Korea or Libya. On the other hand, with regard to India, the United States of America considers it as an important country with which it can work for developing stability, peace and cooperation. India provides a platform for economic development in the Asian Region, it is a country which can provide a certain amount of stability and the Indo- US relationship is unlikely to be affected by oblique situations which may occur momentarily. Hence the two relationships are qualitatively different and have to be addressed accordingly. The incidents of post 9/11, which have led the United States to carry out a deeper introspection in the world security affairs and get a greater insight on the threat posed by the terrorist groups operating in India, particularly groups like the Laskhar-e-Toiba and Jaish-e –Mohammad, which as per their assessments are linked to the Osama Bin Laden’s ‘International Islamic Front’ are a threat to the US and need to be eliminated. Hence the United States will perhaps deal with these terrorist organizations till their activities stop and will not really get involved in dealing with problems between India and Pakistan.

The problem has to be dealt in a rather diplomatic manner considering the fact that the Pakistan military is the mainstay of all their activities. It may of interest to quote Dr. Ayesha Agha Sidhiqua, a former Pakistani distinguished academic, living in the United States,. She recently stated that the decision to lower the profile of terrorist violence without closing the infrastructure of terrorism is regarded by the Pakistani army establishment nearly as a tactical retreat. She also states that the aim of the Pakistan army is to either fight India or vanquish it. Hence it is a compulsive hostility of the Pakistan army establishment toward. Pakistani army cannot rule Pakistan and yet enjoy all the benefits which apparently it does. It owns the largest bank, it is the largest real estate owner in Pakistan, it’s the worlds largest stock exchange investor, it has the largest transportation network, it has major shares in industries like sugar, cement and fertilizers and it really provides with every individual who joins it with security and jobs from cradle to the grave. To retain its power in Pakistan the military has to project to its own people that India poses a threat. The USA has therefore to take these aspects into consideration while addressing the Pak issue.

Pakistan is considered as a major Non NATO ally of the United States and therefore America does give it an important place in dealing with situations relating to the United States security interests. However, what has also been realised by America is that Pakistan with its continuous support to terrorists despite the assurances has to be periodically cautioned. With strategic interests of the USA in the Region, a step by step approach has to be taken. New vistas have to be opened in the Asian Rim land, with alternatives in mind and therefore India plays an important role in creating yet another tier for keeping Pakistan’s activities under check as also to get a peep into China’s ambitions. It obviously makes India a strategic partner in the overall security paradigm.

The meetings being arranged between India, Pakistan and the United States of America on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly are of great significance and are being watched closely by all. Bush’s extra warmth displayed to one will be misunderstood by the other and will result in Mush asking Bush to intervene in dealing with the Kashmir issue, which America has stated many times before that it is a bi- lateral issue and America would not interfere. Although oft repeated, yet Musharraf on getting an opportunity to stand on the stage will always raise the point thinking that someone will listen. It is a matter of concern that the President of Pakistan himself doesn’t seem to listen. Should America convey its feelings more articulately to Pakistan or should it have the last laugh by remaining a silent listener? Suggest Bush hush Mush.