Why in news?
- India has welcomed Mr. Trump’s recently announced ‘National Security Strategy’ (NSS), which has openly criticised many nations.
- But India needs to exercise caution to avoid becoming second fiddle to the US at international forums.
What are the implications for India?
- NSS perceives India positively, affirms India’s stature and acknowledges India’s emergence as a leading global power.
- It supports Indian leadership in the region’s development and outlines India’s primacy for ensuring security in the Indian Ocean.
- It also sees China’s aggression as an assault on the “sovereignty” of the neighbouring nations in the region.
- Pakistan’s continued support to terror groups has also been noted.
- All of these are aligned with India’s concerns, and indicate the growing convergence between US and India on strategic issues.
What are the implications for other nations?
- NSS had singled out five countries (China, Pakistan, Russia, Iran and North Korea) for criticism – which on expected lines have reacted negatively.
- Particularly, China and Russia have been accused of using their military might to deny the US, access to “critical commercial zones”.
- In response, China had said that the US is struck in its Cold War mindset and Russia accused the US of practicing neo-imperialism.
- Iran and North Korea have been critiqued for their nuclear programs, and Pakistan for its faultering to honour its security commitments.
Why caution is needed?
- US policy priorities and perceptions have swung wildly under the Trump administration, thereby making its commitments unreliable.
- Also, in many cases words haven’t been backed up by actions.
- Notably, while the U.S. has talked of countering China’s influence in South Asia, it has not backed this with actual financial assistance for projects.
- Also, while words on Pakistan’s soft approach to terrorism has been sharp, the U.S. continues to support the Pakistani government through huge funds.
What is the way ahead?
- Lately, there has been an American withdrawal from pacts ranging from the Trans-Pacific Partnership to the Paris agreement on climate change.
- Also, Mr. Trump is seen to be publicy at odds with many of hi skey advisors on many issues ranging from - Palestine, North Korea, Iran or Afghanistan.
- A watch-and-wait stance is still India’s best option to preserve the autonomous and pluralistic nature of its engagement in world affairs.
Source: The Hindu
