US Foreign Policy towards South Asia

INTRODUCTION
● South Asia is a diverse and complex region with a rich history and culture and has long been
strategically important to the United States. The US foreign policy towards South Asia has been
shaped by various factors, including pursuing geopolitical interests, promoting democracy and
human rights, and the need to counter extremism and terrorism.
● The US has pursued a range of diplomatic, economic, and military strategies in the region
aimed at fostering stability and promoting economic growth. In recent years, the US has sought
to deepen its relationship with India, which has emerged as a key player in the region and an
important strategic partner for the US. The US has also maintained a complex relationship with
Pakistan, a key player in regional security issues.
● The US foreign policy towards South Asia has had a significant impact on the region, with
both positive and negative consequences. While the US has helped to promote economic growth
and stability in the region, it has also been criticized for its involvement in regional conflicts and
for supporting authoritarian regimes.

 South Asia: A overview:

South Asia is a region of significant global importance due to its large and growing population,
diverse economies, strategic location, and rich cultural heritage. It's a key link in the broader
Asian context, connecting regions like the Middle East, Central Asia, and Southeast Asia. The
region also holds a large share of the world's poor, making poverty reduction a crucial global
goal.
Here's a more detailed look at why South Asia matters:
1. Strategic Location:
 South Asia is a crucial link between the Middle East, Central Asia, and Southeast Asia.
 It dominates the Indian Ocean and has access to major shipping lanes and energy resources.
 Its location makes it a key player in regional and global trade and geopolitical dynamics.
2. Demographic Significance:
 Home to about one-fifth of the world's population, making it one of the most densely populated
regions.
 A large and youthful population provides a potential workforce for future economic growth.
3. Economic Importance:
 The region has experienced rapid economic growth in recent decades, with India being a major
driver.
 Continued economic growth is crucial for poverty reduction and improving living standards.
 However, poverty remains a significant challenge, with a large number of people living in
extreme poverty.
4. Cultural Richness and Diversity:
 South Asia is the birthplace of ancient civilizations and has a diverse cultural heritage.
 It boasts a rich history and traditions that influence art, music, literature, and philosophical
thought.
 Despite political fragmentation, there's a shared cultural and ethical outlook across the region.
5. Regional Cooperation and Challenges:
 South Asia faces numerous challenges, including poverty, inequality, and climate change.
 Traditional and non-traditional security threats, such as terrorism and resource scarcity, also pose
concerns.
 Regional cooperation is essential for addressing these challenges and fostering sustainable
development.
 Organizations like the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) aim to
promote regional cooperation.
In essence, South Asia's importance stems from its vast human capital, economic potential,
strategic location, and cultural significance, making it a region of both opportunity and challenge
for the world.

 US interests and objectives in South Asia:

The US foreign policy towards South Asia has evolved over time, shaped by various
factors:

 Historical Context:
● During the Cold War, US policy focused on containing Soviet influence. Pakistan
became a key ally due to its proximity to the USSR. India, with its non-aligned stance,
remained at a distance.
 Post-Cold War Shift:
● With the Cold War's end, US interests broadened. Countering terrorism became a
priority, leading to closer ties with Pakistan due to its role in Afghanistan.
● India's economic rise and strategic importance gained more recognition.
Class note:
 Restoring nuclear arms race and major war
 Integrating key nation in global war on terrorism
 Expanding economic growth, trade and investment
 Promoting internal stability and democracy
 Expanding political and military cooperation
 Cooperating on a wide range of global issues.
US interests and objectives in South Asia include restraining nuclear proliferation, promoting
regional stability, fostering economic growth, and countering terrorism. The US also seeks to
maintain a balance of power in the region and to counter the influence of other global powers
like China.
Here's a more detailed breakdown:
1. Preventing Nuclear Proliferation and War: A primary US interest is to prevent a nuclear
arms race or conflict between India and Pakistan. The US seeks to cap nuclear weapons and
missile programs in both countries at current levels and prevent the spread of nuclear materials
and technology.
2. Promoting Regional Stability: The US supports a stable and prosperous South Asia,
including a peaceful resolution to the conflict in Afghanistan. This involves working with
countries like India and Pakistan to address regional security challenges and promote economic
development.
3. Fostering Economic Growth: The US aims to promote economic liberalization and growth in
South Asia, particularly in countries like Pakistan. This includes encouraging foreign investment
and trade, and supporting development projects in the region.
4. Countering Terrorism: The US has a strong interest in combating terrorism in South Asia,
especially in Afghanistan and Pakistan. The US seeks to partner with regional governments to
disrupt terrorist networks and prevent attacks.
5. Balancing China's Influence: The US is also concerned about the growing influence of
China in South Asia. The US seeks to maintain its own influence in the region and counter
China's growing economic and political presence.
6. Promoting Democracy and Human Rights: The US has a broader interest in promoting
democracy and human rights in South Asia, particularly in countries like Pakistan. This includes
advocating for good governance, the rule of law, and respect for human rights.
These interests are pursued through a variety of means, including diplomatic engagement,
economic assistance, military cooperation, and intelligence sharing. The US also works with
international organizations and other countries to advance its objectives in the region.
[source: Gojree, M. U. (2015). The US Interests and Policies towards South Asia: From Cold War Era to
Strategic Rebalancing. Research Journal of Language, Literature and Humanities, 2(4), 5-12.]

 U.S. Policy Towards South Asia: Cold War to Present

1. U.S. Policy During the Cold War Period

U.S. foreign policy in South Asia during the Cold War was largely shaped by global strategic
considerations rather than regional imperatives. The region did not hold vital U.S. interests in
terms of resources, proximity, or markets. Thus, U.S. involvement in South Asia was limited,
with policies characterized by fluctuations between engagement and disengagement. The
primary interest of the U.S. was to prevent South Asia from falling into the communist orbit.
Former U.S. Secretary of Defense McNamara stressed South Asia's strategic importance as a
buffer against the Soviet Union and China.

India was viewed as an unreliable partner in this context due to its non-alignment and closeness
with the USSR, while Pakistan, with its strategic location and willingness to balance Indian
influence, was seen as a more suitable ally. Consequently, the U.S. formed military alliances
with Pakistan, which in turn alienated India and strengthened its ties with the Soviet Union. Over
time, U.S. interest waned, especially due to internal regional conflicts and lack of economic
importance. However, the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan in 1979 reinvigorated U.S. interest in
the region, positioning Pakistan as a frontline state against Soviet expansion.

2. Post-Cold War U.S. Policy

After the Cold War, with the collapse of the Soviet Union, the U.S. redefined its South Asia
strategy. The region gained new importance due to proliferation concerns, rising Islamic
extremism, and economic liberalization. The U.S. began treating India and Pakistan differently.
Key objectives included building strong relations with India, preserving Pakistan’s stability,
curbing terrorism, preventing arms races, and promoting peace, especially regarding the Kashmir
dispute.
The establishment of the South Asia Bureau in the U.S. Department of State in 1992 signified
institutional focus on the region. President Clinton's reassessment of policy from 1994 led to
deeper ties with India, recognizing it as a future global power. Key reasons included the collapse
of India’s Soviet support system, India's economic reforms, and geopolitical balance against
China. The U.S. also imposed and later lifted nuclear-related sanctions on both India and
Pakistan following their nuclear tests in 1998.

3. The Bush Administration and "India First" Policy

President George W. Bush continued and deepened the strategic shift toward India. Unlike
Clinton, who treated China as a partner, Bush saw China as a strategic rival and recognized India
as a counterweight. The U.S. lifted previous sanctions and enhanced military and technological
cooperation with India. The policy shift was driven by the need to maintain U.S. dominance in
the Indo-Pacific and to support democratic India as a balancing force.

4. Post-9/11: The Global War on Terror and Pakistan’s Frontline Role

The 9/11 attacks dramatically reshaped U.S. foreign policy priorities. Combating terrorism
became the top strategic goal. Pakistan, due to its proximity to Afghanistan and past ties with the
Taliban, re-emerged as a vital ally. Cooperation included intelligence sharing, counter-terrorism
training, and border operations. This brought temporary strain to Indo-U.S. relations but did not
derail their long-term strategic alignment, rooted in democratic values and economic ties.

5. The Obama Administration and Rebalancing Strategy

Under President Obama, U.S. policy toward Asia emphasized "strategic rebalancing," aimed at
supporting a peaceful and prosperous Asia, including South Asia. South Asia was seen as
essential in counterbalancing China's economic and political rise. Obama's approach continued
Bush-era engagement with India while maintaining counter-terrorism ties with Pakistan. India
was endorsed as a rising global power and a long-term U.S. strategic partner.

6. The Af-Pak Strategy

One of Obama’s first foreign policy moves was the Af-Pak strategy, focusing on the
Afghanistan-Pakistan border region. It aimed to dismantle terrorist networks, train Afghan
forces, and ensure Pakistan’s nuclear security. A special envoy was appointed, and U.S.
engagement became more regionalized, recognizing the interlinked nature of Afghan and
Pakistani stability. While security remained the central concern, economic and governance
support were also emphasized.

7. Donald Trump's South Asia Policy

President Donald Trump's South Asia policy marked a blend of continuity and change. After
assuming office in 2016, Trump redefined the U.S. approach to the region, elevating South Asia
as a strategic priority. In his August 21, 2017 address, Trump emphasized a new strategy for
Afghanistan and the broader South Asian region, placing India at the center of U.S. interests. He
criticized Pakistan for providing "safe havens" to terrorist groups like the Taliban and threatened
to cut aid unless this policy changed.

Trump ordered the deployment of over 4,000 additional U.S. troops to Afghanistan, beyond the
8,400 already stationed there. While seeking Indian assistance in Afghanistan’s development,
Trump also criticized Pakistan for undermining counterterrorism efforts. His administration
pushed for a "principled realism," focusing on defending shared interests rather than promoting
democracy abroad. Despite Pakistan's role in fighting terrorism, Trump argued that their support
for militant groups undermined trust.

This approach led to strained U.S.-Pakistan relations and complicated India-Pakistan dynamics.
Trump’s insistence on accountability from Pakistan while courting India signaled a clear
strategic shift. However, critics noted that Trump's administration overlooked the sacrifices made
by Pakistani civilians and military personnel in the war on terror. His South Asia policy was not
bound by timelines but by conditions on the ground, suggesting long-term U.S. engagement in
Afghanistan and beyond.

[source: Nawab, M. W., Yaseen, Z., & Muzaffar, M. (2021). South Asia and the US Global
Counterterrorism Policy: Strategies, Challenges and Implications. Journal of Indian
Studies, 7(02), 313-324.]

 Current Priorities:

US foreign policy towards South Asia typically centers around several core interests:
1. Security and Counterterrorism: The US seeks to ensure stability in South Asia to prevent
the spread of terrorism and to protect its own national security interests. This includes
cooperation with countries in the region to combat terrorist organizations such as al-Qaeda and
ISIS, as well as addressing the ongoing conflict in Afghanistan.
2. Regional Stability: South Asia is a region of geopolitical significance due to its nuclear
powers (India and Pakistan) and long standing conflicts (such as the Kashmir dispute). The US
aims to promote stability and prevent escalation of tensions between India and Pakistan, as well
as other potential sources of instability in the region.
3. Trade and Economic Engagement: South Asia represents a significant market and economic
opportunity for the US. Enhancing trade relations, promoting investment, and fostering economic
growth in the region are key objectives of US foreign policy. This includes initiatives to expand
market access, reduce trade barriers, and promote economic development.
 4. Democratic Governance and Human Rights: The US often advocates for democratic
governance, human rights, and the rule of law in South Asia. This includes supporting
democratic institutions, civil society organizations, and efforts to promote political freedoms and
human rights protections.
5. Strategic Partnerships: The US seeks to cultivate strategic partnerships with countries in
South Asia, particularly India, as part of its broader Indo-Pacific strategy. This involves
strengthening diplomatic, military, and economic ties to advance shared interests and
counterbalance the influence of other regional actors, such as China.

 Strategic partners of US in South Asia

The United States has one major strategic partner in South Asia:
● India: The U.S.-India relationship has grown significantly in recent years, driven by shared
concerns about China's growing influence, counter-terrorism cooperation, and expanding
economic ties. The two countries cooperate on a wide range of issues, including defense,
maritime security, clean energy, and space exploration. In 2016, the United States designated
India as a "major defense partner," a status that allows for greater defense cooperation.
The United States also maintains important relationships with other countries in South Asia,
including:
● Afghanistan: The United States has a long history of involvement in Afghanistan, dating back
to the Soviet invasion in the 1980s. The U.S. invaded Afghanistan in 2001 after the September
11th terrorist attacks, and remained in the country for nearly 20 years before withdrawing in
2021. The relationship between the United States and Afghanistan is likely to remain complex
and uncertain in the years to come.
● Pakistan: Pakistan has been a strategic partner of the United States for many years, but the
relationship has been strained in recent years by Pakistan's support for the Taliban in
Afghanistan. The United States is concerned about Pakistan's nuclear weapons program and its
ties to terrorist groups. However, the United States also recognizes Pakistan's importance as a
counterweight to China in South Asia.
● Bangladesh: The United States has a growing relationship with Bangladesh, a populous and
strategically located country in South Asia. The United States is a major provider of economic
assistance to Bangladesh, and the two countries cooperate on a range of issues, including
counter-terrorism, climate change, and disaster preparedness.
● Sri Lanka: The United States has a long history of relations with Sri Lanka, but the
relationship has been strained in recent years by Sri Lanka's human rights record. The United
States is also concerned about China's growing influence in Sri Lanka.
● Nepal: The United States has a good relationship with Nepal, a small but strategically located
country in South Asia. The United States provides economic assistance to Nepal and cooperates
with the country on a range of issues, including disaster preparedness and climate change.
● Maldives: The United States has a growing relationship with the Maldives, a small island
nation in the Indian Ocean. The United States is concerned about China's growing influence in
the Maldives and is working to strengthen its ties with the country.

 Challenges Faced by US foreign policy towards South Asia

Balancing Act:
● India-Pakistan Rivalry: The historic tensions between India and Pakistan force the
US to constantly calibrate its approach. Strengthening ties with India, a rising power, can
strain relations with Pakistan, crucial for Afghan stability. Finding a way to address both
nations' concerns is critical.
Nuclear Concerns:
● Nuclear Proliferation: Both India and Pakistan possess nuclear weapons, raising the
specter of an arms race or accidental escalation. US policy aims to prevent this by
pushing for non-proliferation measures and responsible nuclear doctrines in both
countries.
Combating Terrorism:
● Counter-Terrorism Efforts: South Asia grapples with various terrorist groups. The
US cooperates with regional partners, but navigating complex political landscapes and
respecting sovereignty is difficult. Additionally, US actions like drone strikes can cause
civilian casualties, fueling resentment.
Shifting Power Dynamics:
● China's Rise:
China's growing economic and military clout in South Asia presents a challenge for US
interests. Balancing these competing influences and offering a compelling alternative for
regional countries requires constant strategic maneuvering.
● China's Influence:
China's growing influence in South Asia, particularly through its Belt and Road Initiative
(BRI) and strategic investments in countries like Pakistan, Sri Lanka, and Bangladesh,
presents a challenge to US interests in the region. The US aims to counterbalance China's
influence without exacerbating tensions or triggering a regional power struggle.
Domestic Pressures:
 ● US Domestic Politics: US foreign policy is often shaped by domestic priorities.
Reconciling long-term strategic goals in South Asia with competing interests and limited
resources is a constant struggle. Maintaining bipartisan support for US policy in the
region can also be difficult.
Internal Conflicts:
● Regional Instability: Unresolved internal conflicts in Afghanistan, Kashmir, and
elsewhere create instability and hinder regional cooperation. The US walks a tightrope
between supporting stability and avoiding interference in internal matters.
Balancing Regional Rivalries
The U.S. must navigate rivalries such as India-Pakistan and territorial disputes in the
South China Sea. Diplomacy and multilateralism are essential to maintaining regional
stability.
Human Rights and Democracy
Promoting democratic governance and human rights remains an ongoing challenge amid
authoritarian tendencies and political instability in parts of the region (Carothers, 2020).
Environmental and Climate Cooperation
With South and Southeast Asia vulnerable to climate change impacts, U.S. cooperation
on environmental issues has grown in importance (Jayaraman, 2021).

 Criticism of US foreign policy towards South Asia

1. Favoring India over Pakistan:
● Critics argue the US tilts too far towards India, a strategic partner, overlooking Pakistan's
concerns. This can strain US-Pakistan relations and hinder cooperation on counter-terrorism and
regional stability.
2. Destabilizing Arms Sales:
● Some criticize US arms sales to both India and Pakistan, arguing it fuels regional tensions and
an arms race. This can undermine efforts to promote peace and stability.
3. Drone Strikes and Civilian Casualties:
● The use of drone strikes in Pakistan by the US has been heavily criticized for causing civilian
casualties and breeding resentment against the US. Critics argue these tactics are
counterproductive and violate sovereignty.
4. Failed Interventions:
● The US intervention in Afghanistan is often seen as a failed policy, raising questions about US
judgement and ability to promote stability in the region. The long and costly war has also
strained US resources and credibility.
5. Ignoring Human Rights Concerns:
● Critics argue the US prioritizes short-term strategic interests over human rights concerns in
some South Asian countries. This can undermine US moral authority and legitimacy in the
region.
6. Limited Economic Engagement:
● Compared to China, the US has a smaller economic footprint in South Asia. Critics argue this
weakens US influence and makes it a less attractive partner for regional countries.
7. Inconsistent Priorities:
● The US approach to South Asia is seen by some as inconsistent due to shifting priorities
between administrations. This lack of continuity can undermine trust and make it difficult to
achieve long-term goals.
8. Overlooking Regional Dynamics:
● Critics argue US policy sometimes overlooks the complex internal dynamics of South Asian
countries. This can lead to miscalculations and policies that are ineffective or even
counterproductive.

Conclusion

U.S. policy towards South Asia has evolved from a Cold War-era strategic calculation to a more
complex engagement shaped by terrorism, nuclear proliferation, regional stability, and
democratic values. Although inconsistent at times, the overall trend reflects a growing
recognition of South Asia’s strategic importance, particularly in relation to China, Islamic
extremism, and economic opportunities. From Cold War containment to post-9/11
counterterrorism, and finally strategic balancing with China and India, the U.S. has shifted its
regional posture to align with global interests.