Editorial 2: Friends of Friends
Context:
The article examines the renewed warmth between the United States and Pakistan amidst shifting geopolitical dynamics, and argues that India should focus on revitalizing its own strategic partnership with the US rather than viewing Islamabad’s engagement with Washington as a setback.
Background: Changing Power Equations
- Since the Cold War, US–Pakistan ties have been largely transactional, driven by immediate security needs (e.g., during the Afghan War).
- In contrast, US–India relations have been rooted in shared democratic values, convergence in the Indo-Pacific strategy, and cooperation in defence, technology, and energy.
- However, recent diplomatic setbacks—including US sanctions under CAATSA (Countering America’s Adversaries Through Sanctions Act) and India’s continued defence ties with Russia have somewhat cooled relations.
Renewed US–Pakistan Engagement
- Pakistan’s Army Chief Gen. Asim Munir has made multiple visits to Washington, signalling a thaw in bilateral ties.
- The US sees Pakistan as a regional stabiliser, especially in managing post-Afghanistan dynamics and balancing relations with China.
- Pakistan’s geostrategic location, military leverage, and growing population (≈250 million) make it a potential partner for the US in counterterrorism and regional logistics.
- Washington’s outreach, however, remains pragmatic rather than strategic, as Pakistan’s economic fragility and dependence on the IMF persist.
India’s Strategic Focus
- India should not perceive US–Pakistan engagement as zero-sum.
- Instead, New Delhi must:
- Deepen economic and technological cooperation with the US under frameworks like iCET (Initiative on Critical and Emerging Technologies).
- Reinforce defence interoperability through Quad cooperation and joint exercises (e.g., Yudh Abhyas, Malabar).
- Strengthen trade, digital economy, and clean energy partnerships to advance mutual growth.
- India’s strategic autonomy and multi-alignment policy allow engagement with the US without alienating partners like Russia or Iran.
Way Forward
- Focus on capability, not competition: India should enhance its economic resilience, defence R&D, and digital innovation to consolidate global credibility.
- Diplomatic pragmatism: Engage Washington based on shared interests in regional stability and technology-driven growth rather than emotional reactions to US–Pakistan ties.
- Long-term goal: Position the India–US partnership as a pillar of the Indo-Pacific order, balancing both security and developmental objectives.
Conclusion
Pakistan’s renewed warmth with the US is not a strategic setback for India but a reminder of dynamic diplomacy in global politics.
India’s focus should remain on deepening its own partnership with Washington through economic, technological, and strategic cooperation — ensuring its place as a key driver of the 21st-century Indo-Pacific balance of power.