President Obama has been in India during the past week in order to discuss strategic planning between the United States and India. The talks have taken a turn for the better for India/US relations, but where does that leave Pakistan? Although these talks have involved India and US there are some direct implications that will effect Pakistan/US relations. US is now going to have greater support for Indian policies and initiatives, starting with supporting India’s desire to have a permanent UN seat. Obama has stated that he believes India is quickly becoming a “defining partner” (BBC) for the US, and this shows “how much Pakistan has slipped down the list of American friends in the region” (BBC). But this does not mean the US has cut ties with Pakistan completely, in fact President Obama did defend Pakistan/US relations when talking with Indian officials. Obama also encouraged an opening of dialogue between India and Pakistan, insinuating only Pakistan and India could solve their deep rooted problems which have and still involve the Kashmir land territory.
This talk with India will not be the end of relations between Pakistan and the US because United States has vested interest in controlling Taliban and militant issues through the Pakistani government. US has given Pakistan billions of dollars in aid with the assurance it is being used to combat militants moving from Afghanistan into Pakistan. But these talks with India do show US is shifting its focus in hope of creating a more stable relationship in the area.Works Cited
Obama confirms US Strategic Shift toards India, BBC, Paul Reynolds
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