The United States has recognized India as the anchor of South Asia and the western Indo-Pacific region. Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asia, Paul Kapur, emphasized the importance of India in advancing US economic and security interests. He highlighted the strategic significance of South Asia, particularly India’s role in maintaining a free and open region.
Kapur pointed out the growing bilateral engagement between the US and India, focusing on defense, technology, and energy cooperation. He mentioned key agreements like the US-India Defence Framework and trade initiatives between the two nations. Additionally, he underscored the importance of strategic-capacity building through defense cooperation, targeted investment, and diplomacy.
The US official also acknowledged Pakistan as an important partner, emphasizing collaboration on critical-mineral resources and counterterrorism efforts. Kapur highlighted the significance of countries like Bangladesh, Nepal, Maldives, Sri Lanka, and Bhutan due to their strategic locations. He cautioned against debt-trap diplomacy and stressed the need for bipartisan cooperation in enhancing regional strategic capacity.
South Asia remains a crucial aspect of the US Indo-Pacific strategy, especially in countering China’s influence. India’s role as a key partner in defense coordination, multilateral engagements, and trade relations is essential in this strategic effort.
