India-US realities

This refers to the letter, ‘Hurdles for India’ by Abid Mahmud Ansari (January 28). So far, Barack Obama’s visit to India appears more symbolic. Only ensuing events will decide how much substance it carries in terms of tangible results. The unfolding geopolitical situation offers the potential for US investment in India’s technology-intensive manufacturing industry to strengthen it on the one hand, while constrains China to dominate the Indian economy on the other.
However, the nature of the relationship between China and the US is very complex. The two are tied together in trade and investment, which both regard as mutually beneficial. The real difference between China and the US arises over the latter’s maritime boundary claims on key American allies like Japan and the Philippines. The US realises that it needs a major Asian power like India to counter Chinese ambitions in Asia. We must bear in mind that China is an emerging voice in international institutions, including financial ones. Its comprehensive national strength and economic and military might already inhibit US moves in the Asia Pacific region which China considers its backyard. As far as Pakistan is concerned, the scope for meaningful Indo-US cooperation is realistically limited due to Washington’s strategic interests in this region.
Dr Najeeb A Khan
Islamabad