Why is the United States propping up Pakistan in a way that it knows will likely conflict directly with Indian interests? It’s a question being raised with increasing frequency here in New Delhi these days.
The most immediate concern for the Indian establishment has been the US decision to supply sophisticated weapons to Pakistan—weaponry that is much more useful in state-to-state conflict than counter-terrorism (for which it is virtually useless). Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh raised the issue with US President Barack Obama during their 50-minute bilateral meeting in Washington DC earlier this month, having already done so during his previous visit to the United States.
During the meeting, Singh urged Washington to ensure that US military aid to Pakistan is used against terrorists and not against India. But for now, at least, the pleas appear to be falling on deaf ears. The United States is, after all, determined to increase its leverage with Pakistan over operations in Afghanistan, and the US also appears to believe that such aid is required to ensure the survival of the civilian government there.
As a result, the US State Department is increasing its funds for Pakistan’s counter-insurgency efforts—which will allow Pakistan to buy more US helicopters, night vision goggles and other military equipment—from $700 million this year to $1.2 billion in 2011.
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