Day 48 – Q 5.Should India be worried about the deepening ties between Pakistan and the US? Critically comment.

5. Should India be worried about the deepening ties between Pakistan and the US? Critically comment.

क्या भारत को पाकिस्तान और अमेरिका के बीच गहराते संबंधों से चिंतित होना चाहिए? समालोचनात्मक टिप्पणी करें।

Introduction:

USA has been a stronger ally to Pakistan in the past, but the relations seem deteriorating due to many factors such as China, Terrorism etc. Post 2000s there has been significant improvement in Indo-US relations and which look even better at present. 

Body 

Need to concern

• Recent visit by Pakistan’s PM Imran Khan, where President Trump has lauded Pakistan’s efforts to fight terrorism and end the war in Afghan (Afghan Peace Process). 

• US has resumed Military Aid to Pakistan, to fight the terrorists and for Afghan Peace talks. But, Pakistan’s duplicitous policy and double games have ensured diversion of funds towards encouraging terrorism. This can prove hazardous for India, particularly when Pakistan is attempting for infiltration of terrorists in Kashmir region (Especially post Article 370 Abrogation) to create unrest.

• US is the second largest military supplier to Pakistan. With continuous ceasefire violations and creating war like situation on border. Advancement in weapon technology of Pakistan can become an issue for India.

No need to worry 

• Afghan Peace Process: US wants to get out of the mess it has created in Afghanistan and for talks with Taliban, it requires Pakistan help for momentary support. So, the relations are of temporary nature and strategic bargain.

• With Pakistan’s proximity with China: US would like to have a partner like India in the neighbourhood that could potentially challenge Pak-China Hegemony.

• US has placed Pakistan in Religious freedom special watch list in the category of “Countries of Particular Concern”.

• President Trump has time and again accused Pakistan for their “Lies and Deceit” and for providing safe heaven to terrorists.

• US policy of Kashmir: US want the issue of Kashmir to be solved bilaterally. This is in line with Indian stand.

• US voiced concern over Pakistan’s failure to do enough to contain terror funding in its soil and not registering cases against terror masterminds Hafiz Saeed and Masood Azhar under anti-terror laws at the meetings of Financial Action Task Force(FATF), this has effectively placed Pakistan in Grey List of FATF.

Conclusion 

Pakistan has been playing victim card and trying to gain sympathy from nations around. It has been spreading fake news of Human rights violation in Kashmir through sections of media. India must maintain status quo on Kashmir and not be moved by transient relations between US & Pakistan.