US Policy Favoring India Has Not Achieved Objectives

The United States’ established approach of prioritizing India over Pakistan has not effectively fulfilled Washington’s aims in the region. Over two decades, this strategy has neither secured US interests nor completely aligned New Delhi with Washington’s strategic goals.

An article featured in the American publication, Foreign Affairs, posits that the “United States gambled on India, but that gamble has not been successful.” The piece cautions that India is still unwilling and unable to fully align with US preferences in the area.

The article notes that New Delhi has consistently fallen short of American expectations. This includes its neutral stance on Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022.

Advocating for a revised strategy, the article urges Washington to “recalibrate its commitments within the region” and cultivate stronger connections with Pakistan, while maintaining its partnership with India.

According to the report, former US President Donald Trump had commended Pakistan for its efforts in combating terrorism and de-escalating tensions with India amidst cross-border skirmishes.

The magazine also highlighted recent advancements in bilateral cooperation, such as an agreement to sustain low tariffs in exchange for granting US companies exploration rights to untapped oil reserves in Pakistan. The report mentioned that joint ventures in cryptocurrency and critical mineral mining are under consideration.

The report suggests that US investment in Pakistan’s resources sector, notably the Reko Diq copper and gold mine, could contribute to regional stability. It also cautions that a policy skewed towards India could “exacerbate divisions in South Asia” and elevate the potential for conflict.