Convergence and Divergence of Interests of Regional Players (Pakistan & India) and the US Security Policy in South Asia

Abstract

South Asia has remained an important region in the foreign policy calculus of the US soon after the independence of Pakistan and India. The Cold War politics has been one of the main focus of US foreign policy agenda and after the disintegration of USSR (Union of Soviet Socialist Republic), this region regained its importance in the aftermath of 9/11 attacks. The US started Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan to eliminate terrorists and their safe heavens. Pakistan and India are two important regional players in the security dynamics of South Asia and both are considered as traditional enemies. Pakistan and India have fought 3 major wars and many battles due to their bilateral issues. In this scenario, the US engagement in this region represents a unique scenario in which the US wants to get support from Pakistan for counterterrorism in Afghanistan and at the same time the US endeavours to develop strong relations with India to counter the hegemony of Chinese influence in this region. The present article represents a kaleidoscopic view of the historical engagement of the US in the South Asian region to explore the contemporary trends of power politics of this region.