United States is a global power and its pivot to Asia is a strategy which was initiated under the tenure of President Obama; when he realised that the future of he United States will not be determined by the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq but in Asia Pacific. Thus, the US wants to control the communication channels in Asia Pacific, also wants to keep a check on China to build bilateral and multilateral regimes so that regional countries can be accountable in case the regimes leave like the way the US did during the cold war. China understands this and thus has erected its own institutional order in the shape of multilateral financial institutions like the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank to counter western institutional regimes. So China’s model of good governance can be introduced and installed on its call for a shared future for humanity.
However, for Pakistan is the United States Pivot for Asia has created a South Asian security dilemma as it comes at a cost to the country, because the US is empowering its allies and friends in the region including India. Strengthening India as a buffer against China is something which seems logical but the United States is getting a silent partner against Pakistan, as Pakistan considers India as an existential threat. India is one of the largest arms importer in the world, and has increased its imports by 43 percent since 2012 onwards.
The South Asian states need to worry because India has signed a communication and compatibility security agreement with the United states in a 2+ 2 dialogue between the US and India. United States will share high-end encrypted communication and satellite data, also enhancing India’s defense capability.
Pakistan and India’s rivalry has already slowed down regional connectivity. Furthermore, India’s bid to become a regional power, and its budding role as a global financial destination gives India leverage and demotivates international powers to influence its hegemonic designs. However, the US’ request for Pakistan’s help to facilitate talks with Taliban give the country leverage as well.
India’s massive human rights and fundamental rights violations reported by leading human rights bodies including Human Rights Watch, United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees and Amnesty International does not irk the western countries particularly the United States who supposedly is a champion of Human Rights
India’s economic blackmailing and opportunistic interventions in other SAARC countries is legitimized because of the important role in America’s Pivot to Asia. India’s massive human rights and fundamental rights violations reported by leading human rights bodies including Human Rights Watch, United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees and Amnesty International does not irk the western countries particularly the United States who supposedly is a champion of Human Rights. India has been supporting armed insurgency in Bangladesh by assisting the Chakma Community which is a clear violation of the country’s sovereignty. India also fanned the flames of the Tamil insurgency in Sri Lanka and Indira Gandhi was the main architect in the Tamil community’s struggle which makes about 15 percent of Sri Lanka’s population. India has also been supporting TTP whose leadership moved to Afghanistan after the start of the military operation in Pakistan against terrorist groups. This is a clear violations of the concept of sovereignty and is undermining the United Nations. So how can America and the western liberal order make India accountable for such policies in South Asia?
India is not a liberal democracy as its leadership and country. Its ruling party BJP is promoting right wing Hindu Nationalism and the space for minorities is shrinking. If you are Hindu and a member of the RSS then you are allowed to carry on, and propagate your agenda. But if you are a Muslim or a Sikh or another minority group than you need a certificate for loyalty and nationalism. Pakistan opened the Kartarpur Sahib corridor so that Sikhs can come to Pakistan to visit their holy site, but the Indian media and its deep state started a propaganda that Sikhs may start the Khalistan movement. Thus, India’s ultra nationalism and Hindu extremism is getting even more deeply and jeopardizing the culture of peace and coexistence. How can the US make India realize the growing extremist trend when the US wants India’s support for Pivot to Asia policy.
Pakistan has to tackle the challenge India presents ahead of the US’ policy of Pivot to Asia in which India has a visible role. This Pivot to Asia has multiplied the challenges that Pakistan and other South Asian countries have to deal with. Pakistan needs to be on its top game diplomatically with the US to ensure that its interests are not comprised in the Pivot to Asia policy.
The writer is a Strategic and Political analyst. He teaches international politics in NUML Islamabad
Published in Daily Times, January 15th 2019.