Implications of US-India statement

During Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to the United States, an alarming revelation surfaced: a joint statement was issued by the US and India following the meeting between Narendra Modi and US President Joe Biden, in which Pakistan was accused of engaging in cross-border terrorism. The Foreign Office has criticized the inclusion of Pakistan in the India-US joint declaration, deeming it “unnecessary, misleading” and contrary to diplomatic norms. Singling out a specific country in a joint declaration between two nations reflects the gravity of the rapidly evolving geopolitical situation in the region, which necessitates immediate attention in collaboration with our friendly nations.

The significance the US placed on India within its own country to accomplish its foreign policy objectives can be measured by the fact that during Modi’s address to Congress mutual session, all attendees stood up 15 times and offered applause 75 times, warmly welcoming Narendra Modi. Furthermore, chants of “Modi Modi” reverberated in Capitol Hill. These displays and arrangements are aimed at bolstering India’s position to an extent that it becomes difficult for it to deviate and can be used as leverage against China in a true sense.

While denouncing Pakistan in their statement, the United States solely considered its own interests without acknowledging the severe human rights violations in Occupied Jammu and Kashmir. It also failed to raise concerns regarding the persecution of minorities within India itself. One can draw parallels between this statement and the Russian leadership’s critique of Western countries, which asserts that these nations only pay attention to human rights when it aligns with their interests. Otherwise, human rights violations can be ignored as long as they remain unheard by these countries, and no actions or slogans are raised in defense of human rights. The United States even disregarded its 2022 report on religious freedom, which highlights religious discrimination, tension, and other grave human rights abuses in India, including the targeted killing of minorities by extremists. Taking into account the geopolitical and geostrategic factors, we must determine our future course of action.

Furthermore, in paragraph 32 of the United States-India joint declaration, it is alarming yet noteworthy that China and Russia, both direct adversaries of the United States, were not mentioned by name. On the other hand, while Pakistan was indirectly addressed, baseless accusations were levied against it without proper investigation in order to appease India. Pakistan’s diplomatic response, although limited to words, was commendable. However, in practical terms, it appears that we are failing to uphold our country’s foreign policy, as the appropriate action should have entailed an open statement from the US against Pakistan and adherence to diplomatic protocols in supporting India. Specifically, we should have recalled our ambassador as a form of protest, thereby registering a diplomatic and serious objection. Additionally, consultation with China behind the scenes could have been pursued.

Previously, during the tenure of the previous government, US President Trump also made a statement in support of India and against Pakistan. Pakistan did not respond clearly to the US nor did it lodge a formal protest by recalling its ambassador. Consequently, with the passage of time, US and India grew closer, resulting in the current situation where Pakistan is being targeted in a joint declaration that disregards diplomatic principles. The underlying objective of the United States is to undermine the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) and impede China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), thus dealing a blow to its global economic growth. India, apart from supporting America, aims to inflict harm on Pakistan through various means. It is important to acknowledge that Pakistan has long supported the United States by incurring significant casualties in the fight against terrorism.

Pakistan’s contribution to counterterrorism must not be disregarded, as exemplified by the official statement made by the then US Secretary of State, Hillary Clinton, in 2011. She acknowledged that after achieving success in the Afghan war, the United States left Pakistan vulnerable and withdrew without fulfilling its commitments.

The reason why the US and its allied nations may overlook the humanitarian crisis caused by India in occupied Jammu and Kashmir today is primarily due to their global foreign policy focus on countering China’s growing influence. Hindering China’s economic and military power has become a paramount objective, wherein India’s geopolitical significance in the region has increased. Additionally, Pakistan’s previous support to the US in Afghanistan has diminished its relevance as the US now directs its attention beyond Afghanistan towards China. This has led to a decline in Pakistan’s significance. Notably, the US and India have signed five agreements, three of which hold substantial defense importance.

These agreements contain provisions that bolster India’s position as a regional power. The United States provides arms and other defence equipment, strengthening India’s land, air, and sea capabilities. From the Indo-Pacific to the South China Sea, the US is willing to support India, aligning with its foreign policy objectives. Under the BECA agreement, India gains easy access to the military installations’ locations in Pakistan and China, as the US takes measures to impede China’s advancements. The US has demonstrated a willingness to flout international laws, as exemplified by its disregard for India’s trade with Russia, a significant adversary to the US involved in the Ukraine conflict. No actions have been taken against India in response to this trade, nor have any condemnatory statements been issued.

Furthermore, the US aims to secure India as a permanent member of the UN Security Council with veto power. In light of these developments, Pakistan must adapt its foreign policy to comprehend global political dynamics, ensuring its global significance and recognition of its perspective. Merely responding to measures such as the joint declaration of the US and India through rhetoric alone cannot be considered a reasonable approach. Pakistan should openly express its reaction on the international stage, utilizing all available diplomatic options in collaboration with China and other friendly nations, particularly members of the Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO) excluding India.

Translated by M.M. News Editorial Team