A shift in Pakistan’s policymaking is required
The new turn in the US-India relations has caused worries to some in Pakistan. Instead of reacting immoderately Islamabad has to face the situation with realism. Obama’s visit has led to the consolidation of Washington’s strategic partnership with New Delhi. The two countries have achieved an understanding on the civil nuclear deal. They would also initiate a project for joint production of Raven type drones, an unarmed light-weight vehicle which is used for surveillance only. India is already the world’s largest buyer of weapons, accounting for 14 per cent of global arms imports. It is considering to spend more than $130 billion on import of arms to upgrade its Soviet-era arsenal.
India can order state of the art military equipment on this scale because of the size of its economy. India’s budget is six times the size of Pakistan’s. Its exports are 12 times more than Pakistan’s. Indian investment in US touches $11 billion and creates 100,000 jobs for American citizens. India’s military modernisation can generate billions of dollars worth of business for American companies. This explains India’s rising clout with the US. Pakistan on the other hand is mostly asking the US for aid and loans.
India has relied on its economic strength to seek space in Afghanistan. It however faces competition in this respect with China. Despite Obama desiring to work jointly with India in Afghanistan, China and Pakistan cannot be dismissed on account of their physical proximity and usefulness for Kabul. The new Afghan government realises this.
In spite of its rising economic and military clout, India cannot achieve all its dreams. It cannot get permanent membership of the UN Security Council simply on account of US support or for that matter the membership of the Nuclear Suppliers Group. Instead of worrying Pakistan needs to concentrate on its economy and improve relations with India. Like China, it should learn to treat smaller neighbours as equals and live in peace with those considered opponents despite major disputes.
