DNA Edit: Tillerson talks

It seems that the India-US bonhomie has reached a new high with the US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson’s visit to India. Sensing the country’s tremendous potential, the US has promised to support India’s rise as a leading power.

To make good of its assurance, America has offered to help India modernise its military with cutting-edge technologies, including an offer to supply F-16 and F-18 fighter jets. Washington realises the importance of backing New Delhi as a counterweight to China whose growing clout in the subcontinent and in the South China Sea area has become a global concern.

However, apart from strengthening bilateral defence and security ties, the US should also address India’s worries in dealing with Pakistan-sponsored terrorism.

Earlier, with the US Defence Secretary James Mattis, and now with Tillerson, America’s eagerness to engage with New Delhi is becoming increasingly evident. This is an ideal opportunity for two powerful democracies to influence the global trajectory on multiple fronts.

But, such a dream can achieve fruition if US President Donald Trump can compel Pakistan to dismantle its terror infrastructure. Islamabad had switched sides some time ago, finding a new ally/benefactor in China, with Beijing supporting the former’s proxy war against India.

At this point, both countries are somewhat isolated on the global stage, but that alone may not be enough. Islamabad is also in a position to influence Afghanistan’s roadmap to stability, which should be a matter of grave concern for both India and the US.

A balance of power in South Asia is the key to ensuring global stability. The US is trying to achieve that with the help of India. But it won’t be a cakewalk.