Lawmakers: The US’s long-term strategic partner is India, not Pakistan
Lawmakers: In Washington’s strategic calculations, senior US politicians attempted to establish a clear contrast between India and Pakistan, emphasizing that India, not Pakistan, is still America’s long-term ally in the Indo-Pacific and beyond.
Speaking at a session held by the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS), Representative Ami Bera said periodic diplomatic interaction with Pakistan should not be mistaken with strategic alignment.
Bera said, “We’re not creating a strategic partnership with Pakistan,” refuting the impression that previous political rhetoric had generated.
He admitted that remarks made by US officials sometimes cause tension in New Delhi. During a recent trip to India, Bera described the diplomatic situation by saying, “The president made some remarks about Pakistan and had invited Pakistani leaders into the Oval Office.”
But Bera emphasized that India is obviously favored by geopolitical and economic realities. American businesses don’t spend billions of dollars in Pakistan. All of it is taking place in India,” he said.
Representative Rich McCormick reiterated that conclusion, calling India as important to regional and global stability. “India is the most crucial ally we will require for the future of not only the United States and India, but also for global stability,” he said.
The MPs said that Washington’s long-term Indo-Pacific policy, which is becoming more focused on democratic allies and economic integration, did not include Pakistan. Bera emphasized that India has been crucial to US policy throughout various administrations. “India has been crucial to our entire Indo-Pacific strategy from the Clinton administration through the Bush administration, Obama, Trump 1.0, and Biden,” he said.
Bera further compared the lack of comparable momentum in Pakistan with investor confidence in India. He said that corporate groups are aware of the direction of US involvement and that “we’re playing the long game.”
McCormick said India’s convergence with US principles sets it distinct. He described the basis of the relationship as “the commonality we have in the way we look at economics and freedom and advancement of a people.”
McCormick said that Washington is aware of New Delhi’s domestic interests, even as he acknowledged that India conducts an autonomous foreign strategy. In reference to Indian decision-making about energy and economic expansion, McCormick said, “He’s doing it for the best interest of his country.”