Context
- United States President Donald Trump unveiled a new strategy for Afghanistan vis-à-vis South Asia.
Policy towards Pakistan
- The security threats US and the World faces in Afghanistan and the broader region are immense.
- America would no longer be silent about Pakistan’s safe havens for terrorist organizations.
- America trusts India, distrusts Pakistan, and wants to win in Afghanistan, rather than withdraw.
India’s Stand
- India has welcomed the move, saying his move will help target “safe havens” of terrorism in South Asia.
Policy towards Afghanistan
- The President is giving the Pentagon authority to ramp up troop levels in Afghanistan as against their withdrawal of the US forces there. The presence will not be calendar driven and that the U.S. forces will stay in the country as long as necessary.
- Biggest military change Trump announced was to relax US authorities to attack the Taliban and other terrorist groups in Afghanistan as against restrictions on US offensive operations in Afghanistan practised by the previous government.
- The end-goal of Trump’s plan in Afghanistan was to bring the Taliban to the negotiating table to find a political solution to the Afghan war.
- US will focus on winning the war against terrorism rather than National Building.
Policy towards India
- Further development of its strategic partnership with India is a critical part of the South Asia strategy for America.
- US acknowledges that India is a key security and economic partner of the United States.
- US appreciates India’s important contributions to stability in Afghanistan and they want India to help them more with Afghanistan, especially in the area of economic assistance and development.
India’s Stand
- India responded saying that it shared concerns of the U.S. government and is committed to support Afghanistan to bring peace, security and stability and prosperity in their country.
- India will continue the efforts reconstruction and development assistance to Afghanistan in keeping with our traditional friendship.