Is It Beginning Of The New Era?

Mukhtar Kareem

Quetta: The recent visit of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to the USA is being hailed as a new beginning in the economic and military order of the world. The Indian Prime Minister was received exceptionally well by Americans. Unlike previous visits, this was more concrete and based on objectives shared by both the USA and India and on concerns feared by both countries.

Another strategic shift was Modi’s speech in a joint session of Congress, sharing concerns about the Russian invasion. Even though it was not a direct assault on Russia, it insinuates that Russia will take notice. Secondly, after his arrival, the Indian government expelled the last Chinese news reporter from India. Previously, India had already told the Chinese tech company to hire Indians in top positions to avoid tech espionage. These shifts mark something more than mere economic engagement.

Some of the top shared priorities for the USA and India will be containment of China and consequently increasing their cooperation in the Indo-Pacific which China terms Asia-Pacific; enhancement of the military strength of China’s neighbours; and improvement in India’s strength.

However, it should not escape the eye that Blinken recently visited China, and there he aimed at easing the tension between China and the USA. But Blinken visit to China before the visit of the Indian Prime Minister to the USA has something to say.

Implicitly, it means that either China remains non-aggressive in its expression of its objectives and avoids threatening postures, or it has to confront a counterweight in the form of India. These pressure tactics by the USA may reduce tensions for a while, but they do not guarantee the subsidence of the cut-throat competition between China and the USA. Therefore, the logical choice for the USA is to enhance its cooperation with its Chinese neighbours, and the USA is doing the same.

India is going to benefit a lot from this engagement. It helps India modernise its military and equip its military with cutting-edge hardware which is a problem for Pakistan’s security. Moreover, India will receive foreign investment as the USA encourages its companies to invest in India. Currently, Indian investment in the USA is about $40 billion, whereas the USA’s investment in India is about $60 billion. Their bilateral trade is around $191 billion.

Finally, India, with the help of the USA, will be in a better position to lead the global south (an expression covering around 70 developing countries). On the other hand, the USA will benefit from having a new and conducive partner for her objectives. Additionally, India’s partnership with the USA will help the latter build its trust across the world as a good partner.

When a stone flips in Washington, especially when that flip is directed by India, Pakistan cannot remain without problems. Pakistan seems to be losing relevance to the USA. Pakistan is desirous of extending its cooperation beyond military engagements; however, the USA does not see any substance in such desires.

Even though Pakistan can cooperate with the USA on terrorism, climate change, education, and the economy, these problems do not seem to be the USA’s top priorities. Currently, the USA is obsessed with the Indo-Pacific and China. If you are part of that obsession, you are a partner of the USA.

Even though the political climate is favourable for India in Washington, there are commotions that do not allow India to sail smoothly. India cannot stick its neck out and risk its relationship with Russia for obvious reasons. Besides their prolonged cooperation in wars and the military, India does not want to let Russia fall beyond the Wagha border.

In this new beginning, Pakistan may face daunting challenges. Its collapsing economy and misplaced priorities are yet to be fixed. Threatening the USA that if you do not catch us, we will fall in Beijing is no longer going to work. Some strategic planning is needed and one way to do this is by engaging the USA on its public-concerning objectives, such as climate change.