India considers Pakistan as its arch-enemy and therefore takes all measures including abetting of the separatist elements to destabilise it.
Its rivalry with Pakistan, particularly due to the current clash of interest in Afghanistan, continuously haunts Indian policymakers. Similarly, Indian policies towards other countries of the region are also based on hegemonic designs and bullying attitude.
To advance its aims in the region, India spends billions of dollars on its defence needs of US and European origin. On its part, the US also leans towards India to offer most modern and state of the art defence equipment, indeed for economic reasons.
India needs to understand that heavy spending on defence procurements will ultimately affect its economic growth and its aspiration to become a superpower.
MARYA MUFTY
Lahore