United States Policy in India: balancing global and regional perspective

Abstract

This paper explores the legacy of past United States involvement in South Asia and the policies of the current administration under President Reagan. The generally positive attitude that the Soviet Union has adopted towards Indian strategic goals is contrasted with American policies that have tended to oppose Indian objectives. The military capability, economic growth and self-sufficiency, and the increasing diplomatic strength of India, are reviewed with the conclusion that the emerging national power of india precludes a Ssouth Asian policy that is driven solely by East-West issues. Current Indian policies including the import/export policy, the Mid-East, arms transfers, and policy towards Pakistan and China are probed to determine areas of current or potential agreement or disagreement with the United States. The policy recommendation formulated from the above factors includes specific measures for recognizing India's growing power status, support of Indian nonalignment, and support of a responsible Indian de facto regional dominance balanced with a limited support for Pakistan.